Universal web browser, a solution for more agile workstations
Browsers, operating systems, applications... the corporate IT environment has become considerably more complex over the years. Added to this are the different versions of all these elements in circulation. And to remain efficient and productive, they need to find tools that are compatible with aging applications and business applications, without destabilizing the workstations of all employees. Mission impossible? Not necessarily. Find out more about our IT software reviews.
Despite popular belief, the web browser market is not limited to Google and Mozilla. In fact, four publishers share 95% of the market (source: StartCounter via ZDNet). Until recently, Internet Explorer was installed by default on all Windows computers. Business applications were designed to be compatible with this solution, and then adapted as far as possible for other browsers.
Tools not always adapted
The browser market has become extremely competitive. Each one tries to offer a unique, high-performance and complete product. But these tools require numerous updates. The time between two versions of the same product is sometimes very short. In contrast, corporate IT cycles are fairly long (between 3 and 5 years). However, it is important for a company that the applications used by each employee remain functional, despite changes to the operating system or browser.
In recent years, a wave of web applications has replaced traditional licensed software: a revolution for both IT and users. The Cloud enables greater autonomy and agility for IT departments. With a web application, the user simply needs to open his browser and log in to get to work. The browser then serves as the link between all these applications. Today's challenge for companies is to set up a common technical base for all their employees, to guarantee optimum security: a single browser and operating system for all.
A single browser for all your web applications
A company needs stability to remain productive. And easy-to-use tools. The solution could therefore lie in the concept of the " smart browser ". How does it work? Nothing could be easier. The company installs a unique browser capable of simulating the operation of the most popular browsers in an intuitive way. In practical terms, this interface enables applications to function that would not normally be compatible (for example, using IE6 on Windows 7 if your accounting software requires it, while using Chrome 43 for your CRM).
The compatibility of web applications with different browsers, and the management of multiple versions, are complex issues for IT Departments to manage. A solution like the one offered by Oodrive adapts to different applications and runs the appropriate configuration for each, with the necessary add-ons and plugins. To make management as straightforward as possible, everything goes through a centralized platform managed by the IT department. The administrator centrally defines the right browser, Java and Flash versions for each application.
A more agile workstation
With SmartBrowser, all employees use a single tool. Everyone accesses their various applications without the slightest disruption: either by entering the url of the application or directly from the browser portal. Access to each person's business applications is seamless. This solution also offers a high level of security. Web browsing and application access take place in a virtual bubble totally isolated from the workstation.
With a solution like Oodrive's adaptive browser, a number of everyday problems disappear. For example, users no longer have to worry about browser updates, extensions to install, or even warning messages about potential security flaws. Everything is managed by the IT department. For each application, the rendering engine and required components are defined directly from the central platform.
Fast ROI
Upgrading a company's IT infrastructure represents an enormous cost. A migration or development project requires significant resources. By installing SmartBrowser, all this will be a distant memory. And the return on investment is quickly visible. The new configuration is up and running in just a few days. SmartBrowser installation is non-intrusive. Deployment of the platform requires no special training. Once set up, the administrator intervenes only when he or she wishes to modify configurations or change application access policies.
In short, the universal web browser :
- solves compatibility problems between workstations, browsers and web applications
- Provides the right configuration for each application
- Provides a secure working environment
- Reduces the need to contact IT departments with browser problems
- Centralized platform management = time savings
- Faster deployment of new applications
Article translated from French