Straightforward, low maintenance, and supported on all devices running a Browser, that were and still are some of the main “selling points” with regards to HTML5 based VDI/RDSH clients. Simple? Sure, but not without challenges. Let’s have a closer look and see what comes up.
No matter the device you are on… a Mac, Windows machine, Thin Client, a Chromebook perhaps, if it has a browser you are good to go. An URL is all you need, the rest is built directly into the browser.
When your workspace solution of choice offers support for HTML5 client access (without needing to install and update client software, or setting up a VPN, for example) even the most novice user will be able to work from home without to much hassle. Today, that’s worth something, right?
Advantages vs drawbacks
While we could focus on some of the drawbacks and potential challenges, let’s talk a bit about what we can do instead of what we cannot do, using the right solution that is.
As some of you might know, a while back I got introduced to Awingu, I’ve written about them previously here and here (links to brianmadden.com). As of their 4.3 release some interesting HTML5 based features saw the light of day. And even though there is a tight interaction with the underlying operating system, everything you do and see is still a 100% browser based.
Awingu runs on in-house developed RDP to HTML5 technology, as they like to call it.
The new Operating System
For years is has been said that the web browser will become the new OS, especially with so many SaaS solutions on the rise. This, combined with the ability to aggregate all other sorts of applications (Web, Mobile, Windows), data, and desktop from a single pane of (web based) glass makes a killer combination. For this to work properly (of course not all use-cases are supported) you need to be able to offer (at least) some the most used features asked for by the “average” user.
Multi-monitor support
Take multi monitor support, for example. This has always been challenge. And not just for HTML5 based clients. The newly introduced Awingu Display Manager enables you to add multiple screens (with a maximum of 16, the RDP limit) and various ways to take care of how applications and other windows will be displayed. This applies to streamed applications and/or virtual shared desktop sessions. Alternatively, different applications can each be opened in a new, separate browser tab, need stuff.
Be smart
They’ve also managed to build in support for smartcards. By the use of their in-house developed Awingu Remote Application Helper Awingu provides Smartcard support through a standard HTML5 session on any browser. And you know those system tray notifications? They’ve got those as well, sort of. You can get a notification when something happens in a tabbed-out application session.
Awingu runs on in-house developed code. The Awingu HTML5 gateway connects with RDP platforms in the back-end (e.g. RemoteApp, Remote Desktop, VDI) and provides end users with secure (SSL) and high-performance access through HTML5 technology.
Printing
If multi-monitor support is a hassle, what about printing? Awingu offers choice between using your own office based network printers, or the Awingu virtual printer – no print drivers needed. I’ve heard that there is more print-goodness on the way.
As mentioned previously many think that working from a browser (exclusively) will have a big future. As a result there are multiple competitors playing the field as well, all looking for their piece of the pie. Due to the advancements in HTML5 technology developers are now capable to create full-blown web applications that would not have been possible with earlier versions of HTML.
What do you think? Do you have any, good or bad real-world experiences?
To summarize
- Smartcard support – check
- Multi-monitor support – check
- Secure by default – check
- No client installation needed – check
- Application notifications – check
- All browsers and machine types supported – check
- All your applications, data and desktops from a single web-based interface – check
- Secure SSL connections and no data stored on your local machines – check
- Ability to brand your workspace – check
- Printing directly from your browser using network printers – check
- Direct integration with a modern device management solution (MDM) – check
- MFA built-in by default: The number of people using MFA with Awingu, because of this, is way higher than, for example, Office 365.
BYOD
Since your endpoint only needs a browser this helps with BYOD adoption, which is still a big challenge for most companies. I mean, we have been discussing it for years, but from where I’m standing only few got it right, from a company perspective I mean. Often they lack not one, but two things… For one, a decent company policy is often nowhere to be found, and secondly, a solid (modern) management solution.
Earlier I wrote about Awingu and BlackBerry (BB) joining forces, where BB adopted the Awingu stack into their “BlackBerry Access” offering, named: The BlackBerry Digital Workplace. You might have read about it in the news, if not, go here to find out more, it includes the official press-release as well.
Zero Trust, the new normal
Users are never actually “on” the network, and there is no need for a VPN. By using the power of the virtualized infrastructure combined with browser isolation the entire workspace of the user is “pushed” to them within a virtual connection.
End-users login via the browser of their BYOD (or managed) device. They get access to published applications, desktops and files remotely, in HTML5. No data sits locally. Even if the device is compromised, there is no direct access to your company assets.
There is no “pipe” that can be used by malicious hackers, all sessions are encrypted, and MFA is a default built-in offer for all customers. The user is also continuously authenticated as they operate in that secure remote session and the system is integrated with a Single Sign-On (SSO) capability to make login and ease-of-use readily available.
If it fits your business case, and I can think of multiple, they offer a complete package.
Well that’s about it for now. I know they are working on more cool stuff as we speak so I’ll keep you guys updated if I find out anything new.
Thanks for reading.
