The cloud is no longer a trend, it’s there, and we must now use it to meet the demands for greater security, lower costs, greater flexibility and better sustainability. For desktop-as-a-service and end-user-oriented infrastructure, all trends indicate that these expectations will be largely met in the coming year:

Trend 1: Windows Virtual Desktop accelerates the adoption of end user computing

Microsoft has announced Windows Virtual Desktop. The market leader for desktop operating systems is creating a driving force that will make many people who regularly run hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of Windows PCs sweat. Microsoft Windows can now be taken from the cloud and used on any device; the popular Office365 will also help to give Windows from the cloud even more momentum. Instead of worrying about operating systems, resources can now be channelled into the efficient delivery of end applications and support for digitisation projects. As a result, Citrix and VMware will also benefit from this, as they will finally have to generate cost benefits for customers with new solutions.

Trend 2: Cloud workspaces as a secure alternative to Windows PCs

It also solves the vulnerability of end devices to security attacks, at least to a large extent. If the end device no longer has a complex operating system installed, but rather an OS optimized for security, manageability and cloud access, the vulnerability is significantly reduced. The high security standards of cloud providers now often exceed those of locally administered data centers, and encrypted data traffic does the rest. So security remains a hot topic, but the good news is that cloud workspaces are a secure alternative. Furthermore, Windows Virtual Desktop now allows old Windows applications to be brought directly into the cloud and thus to any end device. As a result, Windows applications will be just as easily available everywhere as browser or mobile applications.

Trend 3: Working in the cloud is taken for granted and expected of employees

The expectations of end users are also changing in the context of digitisation. The technology recedes into the background and is available as an easily consumable service. Due to flexible working hours and the availability of home office and mobile workstations, the workplace must always be available. Those who “only” work on the computer can hardly be expected to be present. Cloud workspaces and secure end devices are the basis for enabling employees to improve their work-life balance without security concerns or major technological effort. The younger generation in particular, which we urgently need on the job market, expects this flexibility and support from corporate IT.

Trend 4: Agile working and the cloud go hand in hand

The flexibility of DaaS concepts supports the trend towards agile working methods in companies. New, cross-project teams can be quickly brought together, external parties can be easily integrated, the shared workspace is in the cloud, the question of location becomes irrelevant, collaboration even across continents is easy to design, information is exchanged and available almost in real time. All this is made possible by new security concepts in which users can prove their identity securely and decentrally.

Trend 5: New technologies accelerate the trend towards DaaS

New technologies will further fuel the above-mentioned trends: 5G will provide a performance boost in mobile data communication, probably initially within company locations; server- or cloud-based work will thus become even faster, more available and more secure. This also contributes to making applications and data easier to consume and available everywhere. The advancing virtualization in data centers and a high degree of automation in server management will further increase the availability and security of on-premises and cloud data centers. This will benefit not only, but also the cloud workspaces. Intelligent algorithms and learning systems will also help to ensure that the user experience is always optimized and information is easily displayed on a wide range of end devices.

Trend 6: Sustainable for long-term success

From an economic perspective, the trend towards end-user computing in cloud workspaces has always been clear: longer usability of hardware means less investment. But it also means a plus in terms of ecology: fewer computers that have to be taken out of service after just three years, and thus a reduction in computer scrap. In addition, IGEL takes care to use recycled materials and reusable components in all its hardware products. 

My tip for 2020: Jump on the Desktop-as-a-Service train now. The course is set for cloud workspaces, and Microsoft is giving a big push with Windows Virtual Desktop. It’s a way to make your company’s computer workstations fit for digital transformation and a new generation of employees. So why wait?!

The post IGEL Trends 2020: All Signs Point to Desktop-as-a-Service appeared first on IGEL.

Today, IGEL is pleased to announce that the following new features are available with the IGEL OS 10.05.500 firmware release:

• VMware Horizon Client 4.10 and 4.9 Support. With IGEL OS 10.05.500, customers can be assured compatibility with the latest release of VMware Horizon Client, 4.10, as well as 4.9. Full VMware certification for Horizon Client 4.10 is currently in process.
• Expanded Citrix Workspace Support. IGEL OS 10.05.500 also provides compatibility with Citrix Workspace app 1812, just released on December 14. In conjunction with this support, the IGEL OS has also been adjusted to reflect new Citrix product naming conventions for Citrix Workspace app, including the updates for icons and revised Citrix branding for easier customer navigation. This latest IGEL OS release is currently undergoing Citrix Ready certification.
• New Client Hardware Support. IGEL is committed to delivering support for a full spectrum of client hardware. In this latest release, IGEL adds support for the Dell Wyse 5070 (Thin Client), LG CK500 (All-in-One Thin Client), and Onyx Venus-223 (All-in-One client for Healthcare). By furthering IGEL support for these devices, IGEL is ensuring that customers using this hardware can benefit from the complete IGEL OS feature set.
• New Peripheral Device Support. In addition to supporting new client hardware, the IGEL OS 10.05.500 offers validated support for the following peripheral devices:
  • Jabra headset/handset devices: The following devices are now supported: Jabra PRO 9470, Jabra HANDSET 450, Jabra EVOLVE 65, Jabra EVOLVE 75. The new OS release also enables Remote Call Control (RCC) from Jabra, controlling the state of radio connections in Bluetooth headsets, and the IGEL OS now allows for the remote firmware update of Jabra devices using the Jabra Xpress/Device Updater. The Jabra Xpress mechanism can also deploy firmware updates and settings on Jabra USB headsets with IGEL OS 10.05.500.
  • Plantronics headsets: The following Plantronics headsets are also now supported: Blackwire 5210, Voyager Focus UC B825 and Voyager 8200 UC.
  • Philips speech recognition headsets and dictation recorders: With the new Philips Speech Driver update in IGEL OS 10.05.500, the following Philips devices are also now supported: SpeechOne 6000 and SpeechAir 2002 for wireless dictation applications.
• Additional client updates: Rounding out the list of new client, application and device support offered by the IGEL OS 10.05.500 includes:
  • deviceTRUST 19.1.100: Through the deviceTRUST agent, this contextualizing software can check the IGEL UMS and ICG authenticity using their certificates on IGEL OS for greater network security and control.
  • FireFox 60.03: IGEL OS now supports this latest FireFox browser release.
  • Parallels Client 16.5.2.20568: IGEL OS now additionally supports this Parallels client release for cost-effective application delivery and VDI implementations.

We like to say that the IGEL OS is revolutionary. Part of our revolutionary approach is our commitment to the continuous release of new industry support and compatibility features. In doing this, our customers can be assured that IGEL OS will support the technology they want to use today, as well as the clients, apps and devices they select to use in the future.

Have questions about our latest release? Send me a note here.

The post IGEL Expands Client, App and Device Support with IGEL OS 10.05.500 Release appeared first on IGEL.

IGEL Universal Desktop Converter

So, what does this validation mean for our customers?  Basically, it signifies two important benefits: enhanced simplicity in deployment as youno longer have to de-activate the UEFI Secure Boot feature when leveraging the IGEL UDC3 and IGEL UD Pocket to convert your existing x86 devices into IGEL OS-powered endpoints.  The second benefit is we have increased the robustness of IGEL OS by creating a chain of trust from the UEFI system to the OS.

Around since Windows 8, the UEFI Secure Boot has taken on even more importance due to the escalating number of cyber attacks. The feature helps ensure that only software trusted by an OEM can be used to boot a device.  It prevents threats such as bootkits which can be activated before a real OS starts.

Having a trusted UEFI Secure Boot validation enables IGEL customers to quickly boot up their x86 devices and reap the benefits of IGEL’s already security-tough OS.  We provide two-factor authentication, smart card readers and trusted execution with our OS.

Try It!

IGEL OS 10.04.100 is now available.  Experience Secure Boot for yourself:  download the latest version or request free evaluation hardware.  You’ll see a lock icon on the system’s boot splash.  It indicates your IGEL powered endpoint has been activated with Secure Boot.

Simple, smart and secure. We never stop raising the security bar!

The post IGEL Raises the Security Bar Again with UEFI Secure Boot appeared first on IGEL.

IGEL has acted quickly in response to the recently disclosed Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities with fixes released today.

As background, Meltdown and Spectre affect computer processors, with Meltdown (CVE-2017-5754, critical) affecting Intel CPUs only, and Spectre (CVE-2017-5753 and CVE-2017-5715, high) affecting processors from Intel, AMD and ARM. These vulnerabilities may allow software to read information from other programs and the operating system that they shouldn’t be able to access, for example passwords.

Today IGEL releases fixed firmware images and updates. IGEL strongly recommends updating your devices to these. Note: Any information provided does not release the customer from their obligation to test system modifications in advance. New firmware must always be tested in advance.

The following fixed versions are available for download at https://www.igel.com/software-downloads/

• Partial Update for WES7 and WES7+ with fixes for Meltdown and Spectre (CVE-2017-5754, CVE-2017-5715, CVE-2017-5753) and mitigations for Internet Explorer
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Private Build 4.01.140 with fixes for Meltdown and Spectre (CVE-2017-5754, CVE-2017-5715, CVE-2017-5753) and mitigations for Internet Explorer
• IGEL OS 10 Private Build 10.03.550 with fixes for Meltdown (CVE-2017-5754) and Spectre version 2 (CVE-2017-5715), Firefox ESR 52.5 is not affected
  • LX (for UD-LX devices)
  • OS (for UDC3-converted devices and UD Pocket)

The IGEL OS 10 Private Build 10.03.550 has been successfully tested on all IGEL UD-LX devices:

• IZ2-RFX, IZ2-HDX, IZ2-HORIZON
• IZ3-RFX, IZ3-HDX, IZ3-HORIZON
• UD2-LX 40
• UD3-LX 50, UD3-LX 42, UD3-LX 41, UD3-LX 40
• UD5-LX 50, UD5-LX 40
• UD6-LX 51
• UD9-LX Touch 41, UD9-LX 40
• UD10-LX Touch 10, UD10-LX 10

… and on the following 3rd-party devices:

• Acer Veriton
• Advantech-DLoG DLT-V6210
• Advantech-DLoG DLT-V7210 R
• Dell Wyse D10DP
• Dell Wyse D50D
• Dell Wyse Z90Q7
• Lenovo Tiny M600
• Fujitsu Futro X913
• Fujitsu Futro X923
• Lenovo M600
• Toshiba Portege X20W-D-11N

NEW: As of 2/2/2018 the new release contains the Kernel Page Table Isolation (KPTI) patch for the Linux Kernel which fixes Meltdown (CVE-2017-5754). Intel has withdrawn its processor microcode updates intended to mitigate the Spectre variant 2 vulnerability (CVE-2017-5715) because of undesirable side-effects that have been seen on some systems. IGEL has removed these microcode updates from IGEL OS as recommended by Intel. Apart from that, the IGEL OS kernel has received fixes for a dozen other vulnerabilities, details can be found in the release notes.

Mozilla Firefox has been updated to protect users from a side-channel attack that uses Spectre and from a number of other vulnerabilities. The default SMB version in IGEL OS 10 has been changed from 1.0 to 2.0 for security reasons. However, administrators can still set another version if desired. We recommend updating your devices.

The following fixed versions are available for download:

• IGEL OS 10.03.570 (LX) for updating IGEL UD-LX devices
• IGEL OS 10.03.570 (OS) for updating UD Pocket und 3rd-party devices converted with UDC3

Information about IGEL Linux 5:

Currently, there is no fix for IGEL Linux 5, as the Linux Kernel developers have not integrated measures against Meltdown into the 32-bit version of the kernel. This affects IGEL Linux 5 and all other 32-bit Linux systems on the market. Currently there is no Meltdown fix in the 32-bit mainline Linux Kernel, but it may become available later. In the meantime, protection from the vulnerabilities can be provided via microcode updates from the processor vendors. IGEL will integrate these as soon as they become available.

However, the Mozilla Firefox web browser in IGEL Linux 5 is not vulnerable to the JavaScript attack in the Proof-of-Concept, as it does not have the required high-resolution timers. Apart from that, removing the local browser is always a measure that improves device security, as it is often used for remote attacks. Learn how to do it at http://edocs.igel.com/index.htm#13934.htm. Also, Appliance Mode limits the parts of the system that users can access, further reducing the attack surface: http://edocs.igel.com/index.htm#13944.htm.

Further Windows Information:

Windows devices will also need microcode updates for a complete fix of Spectre.  IGEL will deliver these as soon as they become available.

It is our commitment to deliver the most resilient and secure endpoint security and optimization solutions possible. We will continue to pursue every avenue to deliver on this commitment so that our customers can be assured every protection for their IGEL-enabled end user computing devices. If you have any questions about these vulnerability fixes, please contact IGEL support here: https://www.igel.com/submit-a-ticket/.

The post IGEL Furthers Product Security with Meltdown and Spectre Fix appeared first on IGEL.

IGEL knew we needed to enable local media playback and multimedia redirection for our endpoints. That was a key objective. We wanted to provide this multimedia capability to our business users accessing server-based computing and virtual desktops.

The Search: We started looking for a multimedia codec provider that would integrate well with the IGEL OS, and would offer multimedia streaming capability to rival any PC.

IGEL talked to major virtualization vendors and our search revealed Fluendo as a strong candidate.

The Solution: After examining Fluendo’s multimedia codec pack, we determined integration with our software development would be successful. We chose Fluendo as our integrator to provide the latest, most competitive multimedia drivers. Fluendo lived up to its promise, and turned out to be the best choice to provide the required codecs.

The Technology: With Fluendo as our partner, IGEL can support these major codecs:

• Audio: MP3 | AAC | WMA Stereo
• Video: WMV 7/8/9 | H.264  | MPEG-2 | MPEG ½

Some of the typical usage scenarios we support are:

• local media player
• local browser rendering multimedia content
• Citrix HDX multimedia redirection
• Citrix H.264 deep compression codec
• Microsoft RDP multimedia redirection
• Microsoft RemoteFX8 video optimized remoting
• vWorkspace multimedia redirection

The Secure Choice: One of the reasons we chose to partner with Fluendo is that it is a leader in the GStreamer community, an open source alliance focused on building legal multimedia products. By supporting Fluendo’s GStreamer framework we are providing businesses with a legal solution for multimedia playback.

A Superb Partnership

Since IGEL began partnering with Fluendo, the use of rich media and multimedia applications has grown exponentially, IGEL has been able to provide business users with this advanced, legal, multimedia experience – rivalling any PC – thanks to the excellent, long standing partnership with Fluendo.

New multimedia applications surface continually. With Fluendo we know we are ready!

#multimedia#GStreamer#Fluendo#thinclient#IGEL#multimediacodec#GStreamer

The post IGEL and Fluendo: A Superb Multimedia Partnership appeared first on IGEL.

IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS)

At VMworld US 2017 we are unveiling IGEL UMS 5.07.100 which provides the new Asset Inventory Tracker capabilities. We encourage all our IGEL customers to upgrade to this version to take advantage of the visibility it gives IT into IGEL-powered USB and Bluetooth assets. The UMS upgrade remains compatible with all IGEL Universal Desktop endpoints, IGEL IZ zero clients, and the IGEL UD Pocket micro endpoints loaded with IGEL OS version 10.03.100 or later.

Third-Party Application

IT and asset management teams will find an additional benefit in our UMS upgrade: they can connect to third-party asset management tools via an integrated programming interface based on the industry standard REST API. This advanced functionality gives IT another level of security and control over endpoint assets.

The IGEL UMS can be leveraged on third-party, 64-bit x86-based endpoint devices converted into IGEL OS-powered endpoints using the IGEL Universal Desktop Converter (UDC3).

Better Tracking. More Security.

Organizations that process critical financial or health data, such as healthcare providers, retail or consumer financial services firms, will find UMS’s asset tracking of great value. These organizations are subject to strict compliance regulations and thus, cannot afford to have unauthorized use of peripheral devices, which could lead to a security breach. IGEL’s asset tracker helps mitigate this risk, as well as reduce capital expenditures related to the replacement of lost or broken peripheral devices.

Visit us at VMworld IGEL Booth #233 and hear more about Asset Inventory Tracker.

See You There!

Matthias

To schedule an appointment with IGEL, please contact Nicole Simons at simons@igel.com. To experience the capabilities of IGEL’s OS, UDC and UMS, download here, or request free evaluation hardware.

The post Asset Tracking now Easier with IGEL Endpoint security and optimization! IGEL’s Latest Innovation Debuts at VMworld! appeared first on IGEL.

Optimizedvmware-blog for the modern cloud, the VMware Blast Extreme remote experience protocol supports the broadest range of client devices. It delivers an excellent user experience with low CPU consumption by fully leveraging the H.264 hardware offload engine on Thin and Zero client devices from IGEL. What’s more, the Blast Extreme display protocol can be used for both remote applications and for remote desktops that use virtual machines or shared-session desktops on an RDS host.

Deep integration with graphics technology solutions such as NVIDIA Grid enables the solution to deliver a superior experience with sharper graphics for 3D graphics applications, office applications such as Adobe Photoshop, and modern operating systems such as Windows 10 from both public and private clouds.

The Blast Extreme protocol also offers high level of enterprise security by simplifying firewall port configurations, while supporting both TCP and UDP transport protocols. This enables users to have seamless access to their desktops and applications from any device and any location – even with unpredictable network conditions.

The integration of VMware’s Blast Extreme Protocol with IGEL’s line-up of thin and zero clients is a game-changer for our customers, because it provides a level of flexibility and performance that goes well beyond what has been available previously through the endpoint platform. Some of the key advantages for customers include:

• Quick integration of new feature sets: IGEL’s Universal Managements Suite (UMS) makes it easy to centrally configure and add new features available through the VMware Blast Extreme Protocol via UMS firmware updates and UMS profile management. Additionally, new peripherals can be easily supported by adding virtual channels to the software.
• Industry-standard codecs: Through the server-based hardware acceleration available with VMware Horizon 7 and the VMware Blast Extreme Protocol, which leverages H.264 and JPEG/PNG codecs, IGEL’s thin and zero clients can provide the desktop or laptop experience that users are accustomed to when it comes to 3D graphics and video.
• Centralized management: Through the IGEL UMS, IT organizations can manage all IGEL-based and non-IGEL endpoints running the IGEL Linux-OS operating system, and a single profile in the UMS can configure any VMware Horizon endpoints operating within the infrastructure.
• Linux partitioning: Through the IGEL UMS, with a single click, IT organizations can activate only the functionality needed to run the VMware Blast Extreme Protocol, which limits the amount of active code in the system and reduces the size of the firmware. Additionally, through partitioning, all available features are pre-installed in the system with no additional software deployment required.

The post A New Frontier in Virtual Desktops and Applications with VMware Blast Extreme Protocol and IGEL’s Thin and Zero Clients appeared first on IGEL.