Microsoft Archives | IGEL The Secure Endpoint OS for Now & Next Mon, 08 Aug 2022 12:54:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 “The Attic” Video Podcast Episode 9: Scott Manchester on Windows 365 and EUC’s Future https://www.igel.com/blog/the-attic-video-podcast-episode-9-scott-manchester-on-windows-365-and-eucs-future/ Mon, 08 Aug 2022 12:54:04 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=70867 At the DISRUPT conference in Newport Beach, California, we sat down with Scott Manchester, Director of Program Management, Windows 365, Microsoft, for an amazing journey into Scott’s career starting out as a home automation entrepreneur, then leading Microsoft innovation from…

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At the DISRUPT conference in Newport Beach, California, we sat down with Scott Manchester, Director of Program Management, Windows 365, Microsoft, for an amazing journey into Scott’s career starting out as a home automation entrepreneur, then leading Microsoft innovation from Windows 7 through Windows 365. Ever creative, he is already developing new Windows 365 products and other ways Microsoft can support virtualization and the future of end user computing.

The right timing is a theme in Scott’s life. He grew up in the Seattle area, graduated from the University of Washington, and earned his MBA from Washington State University. Out of college, his first job was working for Microsoft co-founder, the late Paul Allen. Scott did technical projects for Allen’s various estates, properties, and yachts, largely in the home automation space. He took that expertise and built his home automation company, of which 90% of the clients were Microsoft people. After a while, he decided it was time to do something different, and wanted to work for Bill Gates. It was the only job he applied for. In 2001 he joined Microsoft.

Over the last 21 years, Scott has been front and center at a dazzling number of milestone innovations at Microsoft, acting as a serial entrepreneur within the company. He holds 15 patents, including his work in Wi-Fi protected setup, formerly called Windows Connect Now. He then moved into media, media streaming and media management, and led the development of the media technologies in Windows 7 and Windows 8, and from there got into the second screen remoting, gaming, and virtualization space.

Scott and IGEL sealed their virtualization alliance over breakfast at a Seattle IHOP. IGEL learned that Scott was working on something that would revolutionize end user computing. He did, and the result is AVD. Being entrepreneurial, Scott knew there was more to do to broaden the utility of AVD. He spent several years with his team developing Windows 365 as a layer over AVD, to provide a full SaaS-based solution that allows customers to manage that environment the same way they manage physical devices.

IGEL and Windows 365 were a natural EUC fit, joining IGEL’s Linux OS with Microsoft’s OS. IGEL early on developed some of the first dedicated AVD endpoint devices, using its in-depth expertise and impressing Microsoft with its progress and customer value. A high point was IGEL CEO Jed Ayres joining Scott on stage at Ignite 2019 to discuss IGEL, Linux OS and its partnership to support AVD.

Tune in and hear Scott talk about Microsoft’s continuing partnership with IGEL and new Microsoft developments underway in which physical and virtual computing will blend even more. And find out how your smartphone owes some innovative technology to Scott!

On Windows 365 Development during COVID. “…we built the product all working remote… so no better way to build a product …you know, it’s like building the car while you’re driving it, right? You know immediately what you need.”

On How his Martial Arts Experience defines a Good Partnership. “We call it flow rolling, where you’re just moving, and letting them get moves, and you get moves, …though that instinct to fight and win comes out sometimes. So, you really have to put yourself in the right headspace to make sure that it’s a great experience for both parties, and I think that’s a basis for any good partnership.”

On Changing the Consumer Device Mindset. “…You see so many of these new services coming out now that offer ways of accessing entertainment, streamed to you. Those are setting people’s mindset that I don’t have to own something or physically touch something to be able to consume or be immersed in that experience…and virtualization is basically taking your PC experience and giving you a Netflix like experience…”  Scott Manchester

See Episode 9 here:

You can watch all episodes of “The Attic” on the IGEL YouTube Channel or connect to The Attic on PodBean for direct links to all of the ways to listen in on your preferred podcast platform.

Thanks for stopping by The Attic. Stay tuned for more! Some of our upcoming guests include Mike Strohl, CEO of Entisys360 and Skip Gumble, the head of global VMware Horizon Virtual Application & Desktop Multi-cloud Hybrid services.

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Nerdio Shows How to Implement Microsoft AVD in Minutes during DISRUPT On Tour Roadshow Events https://www.igel.com/blog/nerdio-shows-how-to-implement-microsoft-avd-in-minutes-during-disrupt-on-tour-roadshow-events/ Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:54:28 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=69226 A Platinum-level sponsor of DISRUPT On Tour 2022 End User Computing Forum, Nerdio is sharing best practices for moving your desktops to Microsoft Azure.   As a Platinum-level sponsors of this year’s DISRUPT On Tour 2022 End User Computing Forum,…

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A Platinum-level sponsor of DISRUPT On Tour 2022 End User Computing Forum, Nerdio is sharing best practices for moving your desktops to Microsoft Azure.  

As a Platinum-level sponsors of this year’s DISRUPT On Tour 2022 End User Computing Forum, we’ve had a fantastic start to the 21-city roadshow event. Making stops across North America and Europe, Nerdio has joined IGEL to discuss the latest innovations and best practices for delivering digital workspace solutions for the hybrid work era.

Do you know it is time to move your desktops to the public cloud with Microsoft Azure but don’t know how to do it?

Are you concerned about the cost of cloud computing?

In our Nerdio sessions, we are explaining how to implement a cost-effective desktop virtualization solution for your organization based on Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop. In our DISRUPT sessions, you’ll also learn how to save more than 80% on your typical virtual desktop deployment and how to implement a solution in minutes with Nerdio.

Inspiring Keynotes and Presentations

DISRUPT On Tour is also featuring keynote presentations and technology sessions from other industry innovators and inspiring thought leaders from Microsoft, HP, LG Electronics, deviceTRUST, IGEL and more.

During these events, I will be stopping in multiple cities along with other Nerdio presenters including Vadim Vladimirskiy, CEO and Co-Founder and Joseph Landes, Chief Revenue Officer as we share insights into how to optimize your implementation of Microsoft AVD and Cloud PC in Microsoft Azure.

See more on the presentations in store here https://www.disrupteuc.com/ontour2022.

Get Ready to DISRUPT

DISRUPT 2022 On Tour is on the road now, visiting a city near you. Don’t miss out! At these interactive, in-person, one-day events you’ll learn how to enable your people with the digital workspace solutions they need to stay safe, secure and thrive in their work and life. Plus, you’ll hear industry innovators and thought leaders as they share the strategies and tactics you need to stay one step ahead of your evolving EUC needs.

The event, hosted by IGEL, will also feature first-hand technical access to product and service information from event sponsors. Platinum sponsors of the event include HP, LG Business Solutions, Microsoft, Nerdio, and VMware. Gold sponsors of the event include 7 Signal, ControlUp, Login VDI, Lenovo, and Liquidware as well as Regional Gold sponsors DeviceTRUST, Dynabook, EPOS, Tricerat, and Workspot.

Be sure to register today for the roadshow event near you by visiting  https://www.disrupteuc.com/ontour2022. See you on the road!

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Explore Microsoft Virtualization Options during DISRUPT Tour 2022 https://www.igel.com/blog/explore-microsoft-virtualization-options-during-disrupt-on-tour-2022/ Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:26:16 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=69206 A Platinum-level sponsor of DISRUPT On Tour 2022 End User Computing Forum, Microsoft will showcase the solutions for hybrid work and modern endpoints that can help to avoid costly delays. Microsoft is among the Platinum-level sponsors of this year’s DISRUPT…

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A Platinum-level sponsor of DISRUPT On Tour 2022 End User Computing Forum, Microsoft will showcase the solutions for hybrid work and modern endpoints that can help to avoid costly delays.

Microsoft is among the Platinum-level sponsors of this year’s DISRUPT On Tour 2022 End User Computing Forum, which will make 21 stops in cities across North America and Europe. Alongside IGEL, Microsoft will be showcasing the latest innovations and best practices to deliver digital workspace solutions for the hybrid work era.

DISRUPT On Tour is a unique opportunity to hear from industry experts on the latest trends and technologies in end-user computing. We will be digging into the new ways DaaS is changing the future of work and how IT delivers it.

Join an upcoming event near you to hear about new options for your hybrid workers and how they may benefit from the latest Cloud PC and virtualization solutions from Microsoft and our partners. In the Microsoft sessions at these roadshow events, you’ll hear from senior Microsoft engineering leaders about the use cases that are most appropriate for the various infrastructure approaches available today.

We will also answer questions on how Microsoft solutions for hybrid work and modern endpoints can avoid costly delays and provide a productive environment to more users. We invite you to bring your questions and your challenges!

Inspiring Keynotes and Presentations

DISRUPT On Tour will feature keynote presentations and technology sessions from additional industry innovators and inspiring thought leaders including sessions with HP, VMware, Nerdio, LG Electronics, deviceTRUST, IGEL, and more. See more on the presentations in store for you at each event here.

Get Ready to DISRUPT

DISRUPT 2022 On Tour is taking to the road to visit a city near you. Don’t miss out! At these interactive, in-person, one-day events you’ll learn how to enable your people with the digital workspace solutions they need to stay safe, secure, and thrive in their work and life. Plus, you’ll hear industry innovators and thought leaders as they share the strategies and tactics you need to stay one step ahead of your evolving EUC needs.

The event, hosted by IGEL, will also feature first-hand technical access to product and service information from event sponsors. Platinum sponsors of the event include HP, LG Business Solutions, Microsoft, Nerdio, and VMware. Gold Sponsors of the event include 7 Signal, ControlUp, Login VDI, Lenovo, and Liquidware as well as Regional Gold sponsors DeviceTRUST, Dynabook, EPOS, Tricerat, and Workspot.

Register today for a roadshow event near you. This may qualify you for special DISRUPT On Tour commemorative event promotional items while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you there.

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“The Attic” Video Podcast Episode 7: How a startup community mindset is changing the future of EUC with Christiaan Brinkhoff https://www.igel.com/blog/the-attic-video-podcast-episode-7-how-a-startup-community-mindset-is-changing-the-future-of-euc-with-christiaan-brinkhoff/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 19:56:36 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=65681 Our latest one-to-one chat with Christiaan Brinkhoff, Principal Product Manager and Community Lead, Microsoft Windows 365 Cloud PC, is a milestone in our evolving Attic video series:  unlike many of the veteran experts we’ve had on the show, Christiaan is…

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Our latest one-to-one chat with Christiaan Brinkhoff, Principal Product Manager and Community Lead, Microsoft Windows 365 Cloud PC, is a milestone in our evolving Attic video series:  unlike many of the veteran experts we’ve had on the show, Christiaan is a young, rising star and the first whose life has been entirely connected to a cell phone. He is one of Microsoft’s most dynamic evangelists for Windows in the cloud and a key influencer, blogger, author, and in-demand speaker. EUC is in the midst of a wave of innovation so it’s great to have on someone with Christiaan’s perspectives.

Christiaan became interested in computing around the age of 12 when he took apart his first PC, a Pentium 3, swapping it out for a cooler one with a transparent LED side panel. As a 14-year-old entrepreneur he built websites, then owned a computer service shop. With degrees in computer science and IT management, Christiaan later worked for an MSP, and as a consultant, focusing on Citrix and VMware. It sparked his career long passion for cloud and desktop virtualization.

His cloud experience prompted an offer from FSLogix which was developing Cloud Cache. Christiaan was hired as a technical evangelist and cloud solutions architect, leveraging his community visibility in the VDI space to introduce the product to a global audience. When FSLogix was sold to Microsoft in 2020, Christiaan moved with the team to Microsoft, and initially focused on helping integrate and educate the Microsoft teams and customers on FSLogix. Now, as part of the Windows 365 engineering team he is wearing two hats, shipping Windows product features and sharing tips and ideas to help evangelize the Windows 365 community mindset.

Christiaan and IGEL share a deep belief in moving Windows to the cloud and the value of Linux in facilitating Windows 365 Cloud PC. Tune in and hear Christiaan talk about the impact Windows 365 is making in the EUC community. Having re-located from the Netherlands to Redmond, Christiaan also has a fun story to tell about his newborn child’s passport.

On Cloud Computing. “The future is connecting to a cloud PC environment as the need to have your resources locally becomes less relevant. Cloud PCs run in the cloud so you can [scale] by purchasing another license and pay for that time. Some Windows 365 early adopters are spinning up 3,000 to 4,000 cloud PCs in a day.”

On Hardware Limitations: “Over the last 30 years you always had to purchase a new laptop to do that [EUC]. That flexibility that you get from the cloud right now is really game changing.”

On Microsoft Culture: “People from the outside think that Microsoft is the complete opposite of a startup but Microsoft has a community, and as well, a startup kind of mindset. Even in a big company like Microsoft you can still be a smaller team and create a startup culture.”

Watch Episode 7 Here:

Thanks for stopping by The Attic. Join us again next time for more insightful conversations. Some of our upcoming guests include Tarkan Maner, chief commercial officer, Nutanix.

Don’t miss a single episode! Subscribe to The Attic today.

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Life on the Edge Episode 4: Automated AVD and Cloud PC Deployment with Nerdio Manager https://www.igel.com/blog/life-on-the-edge-episode-4-automated-avd-and-cloud-pc-deployment-with-nerdio-manager/ Wed, 13 Oct 2021 12:09:14 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=61541 IGEL’s Life on the Edge is a regular podcast series featuring key IGEL partners discussing the hottest topics in end user computing (EUC). In Episode 4 I talk to Neil McLoughlin who is the UK Field CTO for Nerdio. Automated…

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IGEL’s Life on the Edge is a regular podcast series featuring key IGEL partners discussing the hottest topics in end user computing (EUC). In Episode 4 I talk to Neil McLoughlin who is the UK Field CTO for Nerdio.

Automated AVD and Cloud PC Deployment.

In this episode I talk to Neil about the recent launch of Windows 365 Cloud PC and Neil gives a detailed description of the solution including Nerdio Manager. Nerdio Manager gives you the ability to automate the deployment and management of AVD and Cloud PC from a single console.

We discuss how Nerdio helps with deployment and Neil runs through a demo of the solution. We also discuss how things have progressed in EUC and how you can use Nerdio, Microsoft and IGEL for a complete end to end solution for AVD and Cloud PC.

Learn more about IGEL and Microsoft here and in the Virtualbrat blog here.

Then watch the Life on the Edge Podcast Episode 4 Here:

UPCOMING ON LIFE ON THE EDGE PODCAST

Stay tuned for our next Life on the Edge podcast. Episode 5 will be a little different because I will be talking to Ben Ward who is a senior SE on IGEL’s Enterprise Team, and we will be discussing Digital Employee Experience and why it has become such an important metric

Subscribe today to IGEL’s channel on YouTube so you don’t miss any of our upcoming episodes. You’ll find the latest and all previous episodes on under the Life on the Edge video podcast playlist. When you subscribe, be sure to enable notifications so you know as soon as a new episode is posted. As always, we aim to deliver the valuable content that will make your Life on the Edge an amazing experience.

 

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DISRUPT Unite Roadshow: EUC with Windows 365 Cloud PC https://www.igel.com/blog/disrupt-unite-roadshow-euc-with-windows-365-cloud-pc/ Thu, 07 Oct 2021 12:00:01 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=61391 Discover everything you want to know about Windows 365 Cloud PC When it comes to cloud workspaces, there’s possibly nothing more transformative than the recent announcements around Microsoft Windows 365 Cloud PC. The innovative new solution enables users to securely…

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Discover everything you want to know about Windows 365 Cloud PC

When it comes to cloud workspaces, there’s possibly nothing more transformative than the recent announcements around Microsoft Windows 365 Cloud PC. The innovative new solution enables users to securely stream their Windows experience – including personalized apps, content and settings – all from the Microsoft cloud to any device.

During my session at the DISRUPT Unite Cloud Workspaces Forum Roadshow event, I’ll be talking all about Windows in the cloud. I’ll share this new and extremely easy way of consuming Windows from any device with unlimited flexibility and simplicity – all without the need for VDI knowledge.

In my session, “What’s Next in End-User Computing with Windows 365 Cloud PC!,” I’ll cover how customers can leverage their existing management solution for both physical, cloud PCs and mobile devices with Windows 365 Cloud PC. It will be chocked with lots of demos and practical tips and tricks. It’s a must attend session for anyone interested in how Microsoft is evolving to support the cloud workspace user.

DISRUPT is one of the biggest and best independent events in the EUC calendar which brings together leading ecosystem partners, customers and community partners all to learn and explore new innovations in end user computing. I’m pleased to be sharing what’s next with Windows 365 Cloud PC during multiple installments of the DISRUPT Unite Cloud Workspaces Forum Roadshow event.

With stops in 11 cities in EMEA and the U.S., DISRUPT Unite is bringing industry experts close to home for an inspirational and insightful program of presentations you don’t want to miss. Register for the event near you today!

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Simple, Smart and Secure – Windows 365 and Windows 11 https://www.igel.com/blog/simple-smart-and-secure-windows-365-and-windows-11/ Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:45:10 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=51965 For some time the end-user computing (EUC) market has been abuzz with questions around a new version of Windows and rumors of a new service, offering Windows from the cloud. Introducing Windows 365 Today at Microsoft Inspire, Microsoft finally announced…

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For some time the end-user computing (EUC) market has been abuzz with questions around a new version of Windows and rumors of a new service, offering Windows from the cloud.

Introducing Windows 365

Today at Microsoft Inspire, Microsoft finally announced Windows 365 – the formerly named and rumored Cloud PC or project Deschutes. Announced as part of the keynote and followed by a great video introduction from Scott Manchester, Windows 365 provides a SIMPLE, easy way for businesses to set up, deploy and manage virtualized Windows desktops (which run in the Microsoft cloud) allowing users to remotely connect to them from any device. While Microsoft already has a DaaS solution in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), the simplicity of Windows 365 is more of a SaaS solution allowing almost anyone to easily start a virtual Windows machine in the cloud and connect, all for a per-user subscription cost.

Included in the platform is some super SMART technology allowing image management, regional deployment and policies to be applied, again all from simple web-based UI which leverages Microsoft Endpoint Manager. The offering also includes insights and endpoint analytics allowing organizations visibility into performance and employee experience, even allowing the administrator to change the specification of a virtualized Windows desktop on the fly should a user need more CPU or RAM.

Lastly, Windows 365 continues to demonstrate that running machines from the cloud can help improve SECURITY, especially when people are working from anywhere. Running Windows remotely in the cloud means that no applications or data are downloaded to the endpoint. No more VPN connections from laptops or BYOD devices back to the office. Whether someone is in the office or at home, the desktop remains secure in the cloud.

Windows 11’s Focus on Simplicity and Ease of Use

Simple,smart and secure are also phrases that could be associated with the announcement of Windows 11. Ever since Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows, people have debated whether and when Windows 11 would arrive. Announced on June 24th, with rumors of an October release, Windows 11 very clearly Is laser-focused on some key areas: primarily, simplicity and ease of use. Looking more like a Chrome or MAC OS, the user interface is more 2021 than previous versions and no doubt will appeal to the younger generations who have become accustomed to swiping and searching not using a traditional start menu. In fact, the whole UI is being updated for a fresher look with MS Team integration and far easier ways to find the applications and files you need. The consumerization of IT and the increased use of tablets and phones etc have led to a world where experience is king and Windows 11 is focused on keeping things simple…

Under the hood, security still plays an important role and with news that the TPM 2.0 chip will be required for Windows 11 this further enhances security. While this is a welcome addition, (who doesn’t want improved security?),  many have started to ask the question about older hardware not being able to run Windows 11 – especially important with the current chip shortage and increased attention on sustainability.

Across the release, Windows 11 does look and feel different and in time I am confident that the innovation engine in MS will include more smart features for the IT Pro and corporate employees, but at present, much of the “smart” seems to be focused on gaming and touch / tablet like features.

Work from Anywhere

It’s clear, from both Windows 365 and Windows 11 that Microsoft is supporting today’s new way of working – commonly known as Hyrbid working or work from anywhere. Employees, students and consumers demand a simple, easy to use, productive workspace experience.

In fact, we found this to be true earlier this year. In our survey from our annual DISRUPT event, 61% named user experience the most significant challenge they faced when shifting to a work-from-home model. That won’t change as users migrate back to the office or demand productive business app access from anywhere they want to work.

Windows 365 is ‘the one to watch’

I welcome the news and congratulate Microsoft on both Windows 11 and Windows 365, but for me, Windows 365 is the most interesting and game-changing news of recent weeks.

Windows 11 ultimately is still Windows.  With all its compelling new features, you can’t overlook the obvious: it still is Windows under the hood. And while having Windows on the endpoint is necessary for some business applications, it’s not the most efficient for most. It still needs to be patched, secured and managed. In 2021 we should be spending less time on endpoint management!  That’s why for business Microsoft will continue to show the value of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and after today, Microsoft 365. Both AVD and Windows 365 offer Windows in the cloud where it can be more easily managed, secured and protected. The perfect solution for working from anywhere and something Citrix, VMware and others have been delivering for over 20 years.

Windows in the cloud, people still need an endpoint

So what should you use at the edge when accessing AVD or Windows 365 – well, something that’s SIMPLE, SMART and SECURE…..Simple to deploy and easy for employees to use. Smart in how it connects to the cloud, supports Unified communications and can be installed on any device.  And super secure thanks to a read-only file system….

The Best of Both Worlds

Access a rich Windows desktop experience from either AVD or Windows 365 from a super-secure IGEL OS running on any device.

  • IGEL OS + Windows 365 / AVD saves money. Ease the transition to AVD  or Windows 365 by minimizing capital expenditures and extending the life of existing hardware to postpone, in some cases for years, the cost and disruption of the dreaded PC hardware refresh. Running Windows 365 removes the worry of DaaS costs, and AVD can save on datacentre costs.
  • IGEL OS + Windows 365 /AVD is simple. Easy to use, IGEL features no-touch deployment and drag-and-drop profiling that makes IT administration significantly less time-consuming. IGEL OS can also boot and configure itself via the cloud when rolling out new devices. In addition, Windows 365 and AVD is simple to set up and with Windows 365, even your users can manage their own cloud PC.
  • IGEL OS + Windows 365 /AVD is secure – Data, apps and desktops in the cloud are far easier to secure with Windows 365 and AVD. Coupled with the read-only IGEL OS (which runs on Linux), and IGEL’s “Chain of Trust,” users can have the most secure workspace delivered to any device, anywhere

To find out more at www.igel.com/whyIGEL or test drive today www.igel.com/download

Windows 365 is due for release on August 2nd

 

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Secure, Controlled Gig Worker Access to VDI and Cloud Workspaces with IGEL https://www.igel.com/blog/enable-secure-and-controlled-access-to-your-corporate-network-for-gig-workers-with-igel/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 13:50:10 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=32587 When I think about my stints as a freelancer or temporary worker, I remember the frequent delays I experienced while accessing essential data. With fees booked on an hourly basis, time was of the essence for the client, but all…

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When I think about my stints as a freelancer or temporary worker, I remember the frequent delays I experienced while accessing essential data. With fees booked on an hourly basis, time was of the essence for the client, but all too often such access issues delayed the onset of the assignment and spiked the costs. Known as the “extern,” a streamlined log-on to systems from Day One posed challenges for the IT team.

Knowing what I know now about some of the challenges of end user computing (EUC), I recognize those organizations did not leverage Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDI).  With the advancements in EUC technology and accessibility to cloud services, organizations can alleviate many of the challenges of managing a patchwork of use cases and dispersed infrastructure.

In an attempt to optimize IT resources, many organizations have embraced Remote Desktop Services (RDS), VDI, DaaS, and cloud services. But IT teams can only fully realize the benefits of such technologies when they achieve simplicity and security at the endpoint. Providing access to a managed and secure workspace is critical for business continuity now and into the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the contribution the “gig economy” makes in helping a disrupted economy stay afloat. With the unfortunate introduction of furloughs, lay-offs, and redundancies, key skills and competencies remain a necessity, albeit on mostly an on-demand basis. Following ongoing mandates for work from home, businesses are looking to optimize their IT resources to provide secure workspaces to their employees and guest workers.

With IGEL, IT teams do not have to start from scratch. Rather, they can build on their existing resources to optimize and extend their VDI or DaaS ecosystem.  Any compatible x86-64 PC, laptop, and thin client can gain controlled and secure access to a company’s workspace with IGEL’s UD Pocket. A tiny USB stick, the UD Pocket and UD Pocket2 with a USB-C connector deliver IGEL OS from almost anywhere. The user simply plugs it into their device to boot IGEL OS, and connect to their secure corporate workspace be that VMware, Citrix, AWS, Microsoft, or others. With 100+ partner technology integrations, IGEL’s operating system streamlines many known complexities while saving IT budget. The IT team can manage this profile remotely with IGEL Universal Management Suite software, even outside the corporate network by connecting to the IGEL Cloud Gateway — no VPN is required.

The IGEL UD Pocket provides a secure and centrally managed solution for businesses to enable guest workers with controlled access to their network even on their own personal device.  Once the session is complete the user simply unplugs the UD Pocket to resume the original set-up. Upon completion of an assignment, the IT team can remotely deactivate the IGEL OS profile.

Gig/temporary workers are here to stay, not just during the pandemic but as a big part of the future of work.  With IGEL, organizations can make sure all of their users – full-time, part-time, visiting, temporary, or project focused – get secure, controlled access to their desired workspaces no matter where they may be located.

Learn more in this App Note: Enable Secure and Controlled Guest User Access to Your Corporate Network with IGEL

Or listen to interviews with IT Admins who already transformed their end user computing environment with IGEL.

 

Image licensed from Unsplash.

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Ignite 2020 Recap: Windows Virtual Desktop One Year In https://www.igel.com/blog/ignite-2020-recap-windows-virtual-desktop-one-year-in/ Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:10:26 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=30269 Microsoft sure knows how to put on a show. Ignite 2020 was no exception. I remember well my first Microsoft event as an employee back in 2006. It was called MGX back then for Microsoft Global Exchange, now it is…

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Microsoft sure knows how to put on a show. Ignite 2020 was no exception. I remember well my first Microsoft event as an employee back in 2006. It was called MGX back then for Microsoft Global Exchange, now it is known as Ready. There were motorcycles on stage, fireworks, lots of terrific content and the usual excitement that comes with celebrating a great fiscal year and kicking off a new one.

Obviously Ignite 2020 was a virtual show due to the pandemic. But Microsoft didn’t disappoint, delivering a great event in a virtual format, replete with outstanding content. Satya’s keynote was superb as usual, I particularly loved seeing the evolution of MS Flight Simulator over the last 40 years as a metaphor of how much technology has evolved. I remember playing that game on my PC XT as a kid and thinking how unbelievable it was back then. I don’t think anyone could’ve imagined back then what the 2020 version would deliver, backed by the power of Azure and the internet. Check out the video here.

Windows Virtual Desktop and the IGEL – Microsoft Partnership

At IGEL we’ve been very excited about our building partnership with Microsoft, especially since Windows Virtual Desktop launched at Ignite 2019 last November. We were privileged to be a launch partner of this great new service and It’s been an unprecedented year since then.

Since that event, we’ve seen mounting interest in virtualizing desktops and desktop workloads, and the pandemic has only caused this demand to increase. This didn’t go unnoticed during Ignite 2020. In fact, specific to End User Compute, there was quite a bit of content related to Windows Virtual Desktop that I encourage anyone interested in to watch on demand. Some highlights I would suggest:

More generally, I really enjoyed the future of work sessions, the plethora of security-oriented sessions as well as those focused on endpoint management including MEM and Intune as well as some of the new Teams features and of course the keynotes.

To learn more about what you may have missed during Ignite 2020, check out this video featuring IGEL CMO, Simon Townsend and Microsoft GBB, Christiaan Brinkhoff. Watch it now:

All in all, it was a truly great show by Microsoft. Here’s hoping we can do it in person again next year. But before that, it seems there will be a virtual Ignite part 2 in early 2021 that we can all look forward to.

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A Year in the (My) Life at IGEL https://www.igel.com/blog/a-year-in-the-my-life-at-igel/ Mon, 28 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000 https://migrate-igel.pantheonsite.io/blog/a-year-in-the-my-life-at-igel/ The Gratification of a “Servant Heart” Environment As Sr. Director of Product Marketing at IGEL, I recently passed my 1-year work anniversary. For the company, it has been a great year of tremendous growth as we continue to take market share…

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The Gratification of a “Servant Heart” Environment

As Sr. Director of Product Marketing at IGEL, I recently passed my 1-year work anniversary. For the company, it has been a great year of tremendous growth as we continue to take market share in end user computing from some of the biggest IT companies on the planet. For me personally, it’s been a year of high activity, continued learning, and great personal fulfilment.

Last year I met Jed Ayres, CMO and CEO of IGEL North America, for lunch in San Francisco with Enit Nichani, who is the VP of Marketing for IGEL North America. What started as merely an exploratory discussion turned into a serious consideration of working for IGEL. Within minutes I was highly impressed with Jed and I already knew that Enit was top-notch after working with her for years at Wyse and then Dell after it had acquired Wyse.

What struck me about Jed, and still does, is that not unlike many Bay Area/Silicon Valley tech CEOs, he’s very driven to succeed while at the same time surprisingly normal (for lack of a better word).  An inspirational leader, nobody works harder or cares more for the company, and he stresses mutual respect and teamwork to all of us. We even have a name for it within IGEL – “servant heart” – which is to be willing to disadvantage yourself to benefit others, be they your teammates at work, our partners, and of course our customers. This approach creates a natural spirit of cooperation and self-sacrifice for the greater cause that has become contagious within the company. For me personally, it’s been extremely gratifying

Multiple decades ago, I was an avid basketball player. Being only 5’9” tall I naturally played the point guard position. I remember getting much greater satisfaction from making a great pass to set up a teammate for any easy shot and score than scoring myself. Working at IGEL in product marketing, where my team and I function as a resource to help sales succeed, has been the closest thing to that in terms of creating the same sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. In fact, doing whatever my team and I can to help others succeed, and in this case at IGEL primarily to help sales crush their numbers, is what I love the most about my job.

As IGEL continues to capture greater market share within end user computing, and as we prove our products to be ideal for simple, secure access to cloud workspaces for enterprises and the likes of AWS and Windows Virtual Desktops via Microsoft Azure, I’m looking forward to the next year being even busier and more challenging as my team and I juggle an ever-growing task list. With all that, I know that for my team and me, I’ll continue to derive great satisfaction from working at a place where future great accomplishments will be shared and enjoyed as a team, but always with a dose of humility. And for that, one word summarizes how I feel about landing here at IGEL:

GRATEFUL.

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