Navigating End-User Computing (EUC) Amid a Global IT Talent Shortage

In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, businesses are grappling with an unprecedented challenge: a global shortage of IT talent: 

IDC predicts that by 2026, more than 90% of organizations worldwide will feel the pain of the IT skills crisis, amounting to some $5.5 trillion in losses caused by product delays, impaired competitiveness, and loss of business.

This shortage is not just a minor hurdle but a significant roadblock that could reshape the future of End-User Computing (EUC) operations. As organizations strive to maintain their competitive edge, understanding the implications of this talent deficit and exploring innovative solutions is crucial.

The IT Talent Shortage: A Global Perspective

The shortage of skilled IT professionals is a multifaceted issue driven by several factors. The rapid pace of technological advancement creates a continuous demand for new skills that outpaces the supply of trained professionals. Additionally, the shift towards digital transformation and the increased complexity of IT environments have only exacerbated the problem. The result is a global talent pool that is stretched thin, with many organizations struggling to fill critical roles.

“Getting the right people with the right skills into the right roles has never been so difficult,” says Gina Smith, PhD, research director for IDC’s IT Skills for Digital Business practice. “As IT skills shortages widen and the arrival of new technology accelerates, enterprises must find creative ways to hire, train, upskill, and reskill their employees. A culture of learning is the single best way to get there.”

Impact on End-User Computing Operations

End-User Computing (EUC) encompasses a range of technologies and services that facilitate how employees interact with IT systems. This includes everything from desktop and application virtualization to support services and data management. The shortage of IT talent impacts EUC operations in several ways:

  1. Increased Pressure on IT Teams: With fewer skilled professionals available, existing IT teams are often overburdened. This can lead to slower response times, reduced support quality, and increased stress levels among IT staff. In turn, this affects the efficiency and effectiveness of EUC operations.
  2. Difficulty in Implementing and Managing Technologies: The complexity of modern EUC technologies requires specialized knowledge and expertise. The talent shortage can hinder organizations’ ability to implement, manage, and optimize these technologies effectively, leading to suboptimal performance and potential security risks.
  3. Challenges in User Support and Training: As EUC environments become more complex, the need for robust user support and training grows. The lack of skilled professionals makes it challenging to provide adequate support, resulting in a diminished user experience and potential disruptions to business operations.
  4. Rise of Remote Work Support: The rise of remote work has pushed IT teams to manage distributed networks, enhance remote security, and support diverse devices outside the office. This shift has increased the need for collaboration tools, virtual desktops, and scalable solutions, requiring IT teams to adapt quickly to maintain productivity and protect sensitive data in a more decentralized work environment.

Apporto’s Answer to EUC Shortages 

Apporto addresses the IT talent shortage with an innovative VDI solution simplifying IT infrastructure management, reducing reliance on highly specialized talent, and enhancing operational efficiency. 

  • IT Infrastructure Management: Apporto’s cloud platform eliminates the need for complex on-premise infrastructure management, reducing the demand for in-house IT experts. By delivering a fully managed, virtual desktop environment, organizations can focus on their core operations without the constant need for IT troubleshooting or maintenance.
    • Automation of Routine Tasks: Automation significantly alleviates the burden on IT teams. By automating routine tasks organizations can enhance efficiency and reduce the reliance on human resources.
    • Ease of Deployment and Scalability: Organizations can rapidly deploy virtual desktops and applications without the need for specialized expertise. The platform’s intuitive interface and simplified management tools make it easy to scale up or down as needed, streamlining operations even when IT staff is limited.
  • 24/7 Support and Monitoring: Apporto provides continuous monitoring and support, ensuring that IT issues are addressed quickly, even without an in-house team. This proactive approach prevents downtime and frees internal teams to focus on strategic projects rather than day-to-day firefighting.
    • Remote Access and Collaboration: Apporto’s virtual desktops enable remote work, helping companies tap into a global talent pool. With easy-to-use virtual environments, businesses can employ IT professionals from different regions, alleviating local shortages and ensuring continuous operations.
    • Cost-Effective Solutions: Reducing the need for an extensive IT team, Apporto’s solution is highly cost-effective. Companies can reduce overhead costs associated with hiring, training, and retaining IT professionals while still accessing robust, cloud-based IT infrastructure.
  • Enhanced Security and Compliance: Security is a major concern for organizations facing IT staffing shortages, as the lack of skilled professionals can increase vulnerabilities. Apporto’s NextGen VDI solution is built with advanced security features, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring. By handling security management, Apporto helps organizations maintain robust defenses without requiring a large in-house team of security experts.

Looking Ahead: The Future of EUC Operations and Apporto 

The future of EUC operations will likely be shaped by continued advancements in technology and evolving workforce dynamics. As organizations adapt to the global IT talent shortage, they will need to embrace innovative solutions, prioritize strategic investments, and remain agile in their approach.

Ultimately, the ability to effectively manage EUC operations in this challenging environment will be a key differentiator for organizations. By leveraging technology, investing in talent, and adopting flexible strategies, businesses can not only navigate the current talent shortage but also position themselves for long-term success in the ever-changing tech landscape.

Get started today with Apporto by contacting us to learn more about our proven VDI on-prem, hybrid, or cloud platform.

Digital Employee Experience and End User Computing Reimagined: Apporto’s Vision for the Future of Work

The world of technology is constantly in flux, with new terms and definitions emerging at an incredible pace. Two such terms that have recently gained significant attention are Digital Employee Experience (DEX) and End User Computing (EUC). In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at these concepts from Apporto’s unique perspective, exploring what they mean, why they matter, and how they’re shaping the future of work.

What is Digital Employee Experience (DEX)?

Digital Employee Experience (DEX) refers to the overall experience a user has when interacting with a digital product, service, or system. It encompasses the entire journey, from the initial interaction to the final outcome, and includes factors such as usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction.

DEX is a critical aspect of modern business, as it directly impacts customer engagement, loyalty, and ultimately, revenue. A well-designed DEX solution can make or break a company’s success, which is why it’s become a key focus area for many organizations.

What is End User Computing (EUC)?

End User Computing (EUC) refers to the technology and processes that enable end-users to access, use, and manage computing resources, such as applications, data, and devices. EUC encompasses a broad range of technologies, including desktop virtualization, application virtualization, and endpoint management.

EUC is primarily concerned with providing users with a seamless and secure computing experience, regardless of the device or location. It’s a critical component of modern IT, as it enables organizations to support remote work, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), and other flexible work arrangements.

Are DEX and EUC the Same?

While DEX and EUC are related, they are not the same. DEX is focused on the employees’ experience, whereas EUC is focused on the technology and processes that enable that experience.

Think of it like a restaurant. DEX is the overall dining experience, including the ambiance, service, and food quality. EUC is the kitchen, where the food is prepared and served. Just as a great dining experience requires a well-run kitchen, a great DEX requires a solid EUC foundation.

Apporto and DEX

DEX is particularly important in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments. Traditional VDI solutions can be cumbersome, slow, and difficult to manage resulting in a poor DEX. Employees are forced to navigate complex login processes, deal with slow application performance, and struggle with limited accessibility. The problem is compounded when end users have to deal with variable network latency/bandwidth and BYOD devices. This not only affects their productivity but also their overall job satisfaction. 

Apporto’s innovative approach to VDI simplifies the digital employee experience, providing a fast, secure, and intuitive workspace that empowers employees to work efficiently and effectively. With Apporto, employees can:

  • Browser-First Application Access – Effortlessly access your applications anytime, anywhere, and on any device with our innovative browser-first approach. Our browser access feature streamlines the user experience by eliminating the need for local client installations, ensuring seamless compatibility across various browsers and devices. This enhancement in convenience and efficiency is a game-changer for users everywhere
  • Geo-Optimization -Unlock peak performance with our innovative geo-optimized technology, which dynamically ensures the best-optimized connection by selecting the ideal server based on location, performance, distance, and latency
  • Hyperstream– Apporto’s Hyperstream protocol provided an excellent user experience with low bandwidth using H.264 video technology. Since the internet and most devices are optimized for video/H.264, this results in a protocol that delivers a great user experience over the internet. We can deliver 60 FPS video, heavy-weight graphical software applications, and video conferencing within the virtual desktop
  • Cloud Bursting – Apporto provides unparalleled real-time scalability to the cloud, catering to a wide range of needs, including temporary workforce management and project-based growth. This cutting-edge solution guarantees seamless remote operations, business continuity, and high productivity across all scenarios with minimal infrastructure investment

Apporto empowers employees to thrive in today’s constantly changing fast-paced digital environment.  

Apporto and EUC 

End User Computing (EUC) is a critical component of any organization’s IT strategy, as it directly impacts employee productivity, job satisfaction, and overall business success. However, traditional EUC solutions often fall short, leading to frustration, decreased productivity, and increased IT support requests. Apporto NextGen, a flexible on-prem, cloud, or hybrid platform delivers a superior user experience at a low cost ultimately making DaaS simple.   

Apporto delivers an exceptional EUC experience through the following key aspects:

  • Simplified Management – Apporto streamlines the management of software deployment, backup, recovery, antivirus, and endpoint control, reducing the workload on IT teams and allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives
  • Advanced Technologies – Leveraging advanced technologies like our Hyperstream compression, geo-optimization, cloud bursting, and autoscaling, Apporto ensures a superior cloud-native experience for users
  • Accessibility – Apporto enhances user access to essential resources across all devices, anytime and anywhere, significantly cutting total costs and ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder IT capabilities 
  • User Monitoring and Feedback – A culture that values continuous monitoring and feedback is essential for IT teams to gather the critical data needed to enhance the user experience. Apporto’s management utilities are specifically designed to leverage this ongoing feedback loop, enabling continuous improvement of both the user environment and the overall experience. By integrating real-time data and user feedback, Apporto’s solutions empower IT teams to make informed decisions that drive efficiency, security, and user satisfaction. 
  • Employee-Owned, Customer-First Approach – Apporto’s business model emphasizes an employee-owned and customer-centric strategy, which has been recognized by industry leaders like Gartner. This approach sets Apporto apart from its private-equity-driven and profit-focused competitors

By focusing on these key aspects, Apporto provides an exceptional EUC experience that prioritizes customer success and fosters a secure, efficient, and accessible environment for end-users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while DEX and EUC are related, they highlight distinct challenges for IT teams. DEX is concerned with the overall user experience, while EUC is focused on the technology and processes that enable that experience.

Understanding the differences and relationships between DEX and EUC can help organizations better navigate the complex landscape of modern IT and digital transformation. By prioritizing both DEX and EUC, businesses can create a seamless, secure, and user-friendly computing experience that drives engagement, productivity, and success.

Contact Apporto to learn more about the many benefits and value-add provided for exceptional DEX and EUC.

The Future of End User Computing: Navigating the Shift as Citrix and VMware Go Private

The End User Computing (EUC) landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Two industry giants, Citrix and VMware, have seen big changes including the sale of VMware EUC to KKR and Citrix’s merger into the Cloud Software Group, causing significant disruption in the market. As a result, many organizations will be seeking alternative solutions that can deliver comparable functionality and support at a more budget-friendly price point.

Fortunately, innovative companies like Apporto are stepping up to fill this gap, offering customers new and exciting capabilities that can help them extract even more value from their computing resources. As the EUC landscape continues to evolve, Apporto is well-positioned to provide customers with the flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness they need to succeed. In fact, Brian Madden, a well known analyst in the EUC space stated: 

“I spent the past few months digging into next-gen VDI/DaaS vendors like Apporto.This class of companies is taking root to replace Citrix & VMware. Scary, but it’s just the natural cycle of the seasons. The previous generation must die in winter to nourish the next-gen products of spring.”

In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind Citrix and VMware’s decision and the opportunities that arise from this change. We’ll also discuss Apporto’s technology innovations that address the evolving needs of the marketplace. 

Why are Citrix and VMware changing their market focus?

Citrix and VMware’s decision to shift their focus towards larger enterprise customers and more complex, high-margin opportunities marks a significant turning point in the End User Computing (EUC) market. By concentrating on delivering comprehensive solutions to their largest customers, these vendors aim to boost their bottom line and solidify their position in the market.

The shift in focus by Citrix and VMware is a clear indication that the EUC market is undergoing a significant transformation presenting an opportunity for Apporto. Our next generation VDI platform is designed for today’s End Use Computing providing a great user experience anywhere on any device, with high security, and a hybrid infrastructure platform managed from a single control plane. 

Apporto Market Fit for VMware Horizon or Citrix Alternative

Apporto supplies state-of-the-art VDI and EUC solutions emphasizing user-centric design, ease of administration, and affordability as core values. Our vision was to create a solution that runs seamlessly in the browser, supports multiple OSes, is simple to administer, and, most importantly, remains affordable. Apporto, with its advanced architecture and user-centric design, is the embodiment of that vision.

Why Apporto is the Best Alternative to VMware Horizon and Citrix:

  • On-Prem & Cloud VDI Solution Flexibility –  Apporto provides a range of deployment choices tailored to your needs, including cloud based, on-premises, or a hybrid solution. With compatibility across AWS, Azure, and on-premises, we ensure extensive adaptability and scalability for your IT infrastructure without cloud-vendor lock-in or security and availability issues with 3rd party management oversight from Citrix or VMware.  
  • Infrastructure Simplicity Designed-In – Apporto avoids legacy VDI solutions overly complex stack incorporating proprietary code and a mix of acquired technologies. The diagram below illustrates the numerous components and seemingly endless connections involved in a typical Citrix deployment:

VMware’s stack is more extensive than Citrix creating unnecessary complexity greatly increasing connectivity issues. 

The Horizon Challenge

In contrast, the entire Apporto platform is composed of just three components and requires the configuration of no more than two firewall ports. This approach is significantly simpler than any other solution currently available. By leveraging well-known technology stacks and utilizing self-monitoring, self-healing containerized systems, Apporto delivers next-generation VDI to a wide audience.

The Simplicity of Apporto

  • A Better User Experience 

Apporto provides an unparalleled user experience, featuring advanced compression, geo-optimization, and auto-scaling capabilities. Users can access applications directly from their browser on any device, at any location, and at any time, ensuring flexibility and convenience. This allows users to leverage their personal computing devices or assigned equipment without the need for VPN or endpoint management, simplifying their workflows.

With Apporto, users can now access graphically intensive applications in a collaborative environment, complete with screen sharing, chat, and file-sharing features. Our cutting-edge hyperstreaming technology guarantees a responsive experience for users, regardless of their location, while enabling IT staff to effortlessly manage a global network of virtual desktops. This win-win solution benefits both users and IT, making Apporto the ultimate choice for everyone.

“Previously we had two people working on VMware and Citrix and now they can focus on other stuff. The service runs much better and I wish we could have made the change sooner.” 

Travis Nation, CIO, Seattle University 

  • Save with Apporto’s Summer of Love Promotion 

Apporto is the perfect choice for IT departments looking to enhance their user experience, simplify IT application management and delivery, and reduce costs. By choosing Apporto, IT teams can focus on critical projects, without the burden of managing complex systems.

In light of recent challenges faced by VMware and Citrix customers due to private equity acquisitions, Apporto is proud to present our “Summer of Love” promotion. This exclusive offer allows all Apporto pricing to be reset to our early 2023 rates, providing an opportunity to improve end-user experience, operational efficiency, and even reduce initial costs. This means more budget for IT to allocate towards other essential infrastructure needs.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity – take advantage of this promotion before it expires on September 30, 2024, and transform your IT landscape with Apporto today!

In Summary

Our next-generation VDI solution, widely recognized in the education sector and gaining solid traction in other verticals including legal, financial and health care, stands out as an option for customers seeking secure access, reduced TCO, and streamlined IT management. Apporto’s flexible infrastructure supports a variety of deployment models, allowing organizations to seamlessly integrate with their existing on-prem infrastructure, fully migrate to the cloud, or adopt a hybrid approach. This versatility ensures that Apporto can meet the unique needs of any organization, especially those seeking an alternative to VMware Horizon and Citrix, providing a scalable and adaptable solution that evolves with your IT strategy.

On top of the technical advantages of the Apporto platform, the company has adopted a culture that is fundamentally different from its legacy competitors. Whereas Citrix and VMware are owned by Private Equity which put enormous focus on the bottom line, Apporto on the other hand is employee owned and believes in organic growth: Making customers successful will make the company successful. 

Conclusion

The shift in focus by Citrix and VMware marks a significant change in the EUC landscape. While this change may create uncertainty, it also presents opportunities for innovation, competition, and growth from companies like Apporto. As the market continues to evolve, companies must be prepared to adapt and explore new solutions that meet their changing needs. At Apporto, we are ready to explore specific requirements with these organizations to supply the next generation of VDI technology for the EUC marketplace.

Contact Apporto today to learn more about the many benefits and value-add provided for your VDI and DaaS EUC solution.

Reference Information 

What can VMware Horizon customers expect? The barbarians are inside the gates!

For the last 18 months, the VMware community has been struggling to read the tea leaves of the impending Broadcom acquisition. Despite assurances to the contrary, customers’ and partners’ worst expectations have been fulfilled. VMware Customers are seeing 3x, 5x, and even 10x price increases. Partners have been terminated while being asked to submit a request to become a partner again. For VMware EUC customers, the saga is not over yet. Broadcom has just sold off the EUC division to private equity firm KKR and the deal will be finalized in the next few months.

What can customers expect from KKR? Unfortunately, it is likely to be more of the same – after all, Broadcom has been called a private equity disguised as a software company. Ironically, KKR is the firm that led the buyout of RJR Nabisco. The story was made into a book and movie called “The Barbarians at the Gate”. In the book, an executive called KKR’s money “phony” and stated, “We need to push the barbarians back from the city gates”. 

The old adage goes: “When your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail”. The only tool private equity is adept at is a spreadsheet. Therefore we are likely to see more of “management by spreadsheet” – as opposed to the management by “walking around” championed by Hewlett-Packard in the 1970s. 

Now do not get me wrong! Spreadsheets are useful tools but should not be used to drive a company’s strategy. It is too easy to build a spreadsheet model where if one slashes the sales and marketing teams and increases the price of a product by 10x, the result is financially attractive – even if many customers abandon the product. However, does the spreadsheet factor in the ill will of the customer community? Does it factor in the fact that the brand becomes toxic? Clearly, Broadcom has been financially successful. Will it continue or will it end up like GE – a conglomerate that had to shed all its parts?

The good news is that nature does not like vacuum and many solutions are emerging to fill in the void left by VMware EUC. At Apporto, we have introduced our NextGen product which in many ways is superior to VMware Horizon. Customers can run Apporto NextGen on their existing hardware (the same hardware that previously was used for VMware) or in the cloud. Better yet, customers will be charged a subscription fee equal to last year’s VMware support fee. If you are a VMware customer feeling stranded, please grab this lifeline.

Vendor Comparison: Apporto vs VMware

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VMware Horizon customer? There's no catch.

Lock in your current support fee for Apporto NextGen. For example, if you paid $20,000 to VMware or Citrix in 2023 but face a $100,000 quote for 2024, Apporto will honor your 2023 fee for our 2024 subscription. Offer valid until Sept 30, 2024.
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Post-Pandemic: Hybrid Learning and Work Call for Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid Cloud Architecture

As CIOs look toward the future, they realize that remote learning and work are here to stay. A hybrid cloud may be an optimal solution for this new environment.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed our lives dramatically and will continue to do so. Within a matter of weeks, higher education shifted from a model in which students, faculty, and staff were studying and working on campus 100 percent of the time to a model where they were remote 100 percent of the time. In a recent EDUCAUSE QuickPoll,respondents reported that “hybrid work is here to stay. In fact, the majority of CIOs believe that hybrid work and study—working and studying partially on campus and partially at home—is the future.

While remote work has been incredibly challenging, most remote workers feel more productive and fulfilled and enjoy a better work/life balance. Similarly, several studies have shown that students have a strong preference for hybrid learning, as this combines the social experience that students crave with the flexibility of remote study. What happens after the majority of folks are vaccinated and can resume working and studying safely on campus?

Hybrid Cloud Architecture

 

We envision a world where students, faculty, and staff can work and study at home, on campus, and anywhere in between. In 2021, it is hard to imagine why students would need to commute to campus to access specialized software. Similarly, there is no reason why workers should have to travel to access a campus desktop for compliance or other purposes. In both cases, it should be the desktop that travels (virtually) to the user, and in all cases, the data needs to be secured to ensure compliance with regulations.

While a cloud-based desktop may seem like an ideal way to provide geographic flexibility, the harsh reality is that many use cases are not supported by cloud desktops. Here are just five examples:

Five Use Cases Not Supported by Cloud Desktops

  1. Unique Peripherals and Special Lab Equipment

    Often, colleges and universities invest thousands of dollars in special lab equipment such as computers connected to medical devices, 3D printers, etc.

  2. Staff Computers with FERPA Requirements

    College and university staff often deal with sensitive data that is subject to state and federal regulations. Sometimes these applications are bound to the campus’ Active Directory or IP addresses.

  3. Mac Labs

    Many colleges and universities have invested thousands of dollars in installing and configuring Mac labs. These are often underutilized because of limited lab hours and other reasons.

  4. Limited License Software

    Applications that have strict licensing limitations, allow IP whitelisting, or require a specific radius around the campus are examples of limited license software.

  5. Applications That Are Sensitive to Network Latency

Some applications are very sensitive to network latency. By enabling students to connect to computers on campus, it may reduce network latency.

The Benefits of a Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud (figure 1) would enable staff and faculty to access on-prem and cloud resources in their browsers. Ideally, all of the resources would be accessible from the same portal or app store and obfuscate the technological complexities. After all, the user should never worry about whether the desktop is in the cloud or on-prem. By leveraging on-prem resources and the cloud, both students and faculty can benefit greatly.

A hybrid cloud offers the best of all worlds: a great user experience, high productivity, low cost, and flexibility. In this new world, where we work partially on campus and partially at home, a hybrid cloud allows us to continue to work productively, feel more fulfilled, and enjoy a better work/life balance. In summary, a hybrid cloud may be the optimal solution for both studying and working remotely.

To learn more, listen to Apporto experts introduce Apporto’s hybrid cloud solution or learn about Apporto’s features and benefits.

 

How Apporto helps institutions achieve a zero trust architecture

The 2020 Pandemic has caused permanent disruption to business and critical user workflows. Most universities felt pain points during the pandemic in an effort to maintain productivity. In the post-pandemic world, most universities and staff expect remote work environments.

However, daily ransomware attacks are a reminder that while maintaining user productivity is important – ensuring security is paramount. Colonial’s pipeline’s CEO told congress that the attack occurred using a legacy Virtual Private Network (VPN) system that did not have multifactor (MFA) authentication in place. As hackers become more sophisticated and have increasing access to advanced computers, brute force attacks are becoming common, driving the higher education community to take an active approach addressing ransomware and denial-of-service attacks.

In the last thirty days, educational organizations have been the target of more than 6.1 million malware attacks, while the second-most affected industry has only seen 900,000 attacks.

A Zero trust model to defend against ransomware and malware

Many organizations are in the process of implementing a zero trust approach to improve their security posture. Unlike traditional security which assumes that every entity behind a firewall is safe, Zero trust consists essentially of three principles: use least privileged access (LPA), verify explicitly and assume a breach has occurred. Forrester Research popularized the term “zero trust.” This has in-turn created a range of definitions of zero trust, requiring a level of standardization by recognized authorities such as NCSC and NIST.

Zero trust is an approach that transcends specific technologies and point solutions. A key takeaway is that existing approaches to remote work are fraught with security risks and IT leadership must make a departure from usual operations.

Challenges of Remote Access

In a paper entitled “Solving the Challenges of Modern Remote Access”, the Gartner group outlines a decision tree which helps an IT manager understand which technologies are most appropriate for specific use cases. In particular, Gartner recommends IT managers to provide a virtual desktop/DaaS for these use cases:

1- Users need access to highly sensitive or secure data.

2- Users are using devices that are not owned by the organization (BYOD).

If the end user’s device is owned by the organization, Gartner recommends that end users install an Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) for PCs and Macs and a Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) for mobile devices. Further Gartner recommends that admins remain aware that data is being stored on the end user’s device and take steps to mitigate the risk of those managed devices being on unmanaged networks.

Apporto believes IT admins will find a cloud desktop a more secure (witness the recent attack on software deployment vendor Kaseya) and simpler approach. A Cloud desktop reduces the attack surface significantly by allowing all data to be kept inside a secured perimeter. No data need be shared onto an unmanaged device nor need to exit the organization on an unmanaged network. IT Admins have control of data ingress and egress and can audit activity.

A More Secure Cloud Desktop: Always in the Browser

Whereas many DaaS and VDI companies deliver virtual desktops in a browser, these are often not recommended for many use cases (videoconferencing, graphical applications etc.). Most DaaS and VDI companies strongly recommend that users install and use a client and that end users secure the end point, making sure the client is always up to date. In other words, a cloud desktop that uses a client expands the attack surface to the end point and the IT team is back to managing and maintaining the endpoint’s security.

Apporto on the other hand is always delivered in the browser and does not rely on the end point to be secured. Unlike VPN access which grants the remote worker’s laptop access to the physical network and therefore can be an attack entry point which must be secured using ACLs, the Apporto desktop only allows the remote worker to interact with the delivered desktop via HTML events and messages which provide a very limited attack surface Essentially, the most critical aspect for securing an Apporto Desktop is utilizing strong user identity assurance that can be added to any SSO solution.

Zero Trust Virtual Desktop White Paper

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Multi-factor authentication:

Many legacy systems rely on Windows authentication – this is increasingly a high security risk as hackers become more adept at brute force attacks. Apporto always relies on SSO technologies and recommends that those are used in conjunction with MFA to ensure a high level of security to the desktops.

Least Privilege Access

A key rule of zero trust is to trust no one and users should be provided the least amount of privileges needed for their tasks. Apporto enables an admin to deliver:

  1. a remote application in a browser with no access to the OS 2) a desktop with no admin privileges and/or 3) a desktop with admin privileges – all from the same portal and based on the same infrastructure.

Further, Apporto provides a simple console enabling administrators to publish or hide applications or shared folders based on the users’ role/group affiliation. For instance a user who is a member of the engineering team who does not need or have access to SAP would not see the SAP client on his desktop. Similarly a user who does not need access to specific data would not even see the shared folder. This is simply achieved in Apporto through the use of a feature called desktop variants.

One cloud desktop for all tasks:

Another historical problem with cloud desktops has been poor user experience. This is often the result of high network latency or misconfigured applications. Poor user experience is frustrating to users and leads many to use the managed cloud desktop for one set of applications and their unmanaged physical desktop for applications such as video conferencing or chat. This defeats the purpose of the managed cloud desktop since it’s often inevitable that end users will store some of the data on their physical desktop, e.g. uploading or downloading a file from a Teams chat.

Apporto addresses high network latency by utilizing a unique geo-optimizing technology. This means that Apporto can assure that an end user is always connected to the closest data center to ensure minimal network latency. Apporto’s network of data centers ensures that no user is ever further than 50ms from their cloud desktop. Research has shown that at a latency less than 50ms most people cannot distinguish between a local vs remote experience. In addition to our regional infrastructure, Apporto has implemented several additional technologies that enable the bridging of edge video and audio devices into the cloud desktop through the browser. These features allow users to remain on the cloud desktop for all their use cases – even for highly demanding applications such as video conferencing.

Conclusion:

Apporto has leveraged decades of experience to create a secure cloud desktop service. A key goal of the service is to minimize the attack surface – this is achieved by using a clientless virtual desktop, MFA, principle of least privilege for apps and data and visibility/control of all data ingress/egress. The service provides admins with a simple control plain that makes the task simple.

Enhancing Accessibility with Cloud Desktops

Overcoming Technological Barriers

Cloud desktops have become an increasingly popular tool in higher education for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. One of the main benefits of cloud desktops in this context is their ability to overcome technological barriers that may prevent some students from accessing educational materials. For example, students who do not have access to certain software on their personal devices can now access such software remotely using cloud desktops. This means that students who may not have the financial means to purchase expensive software can still engage with course materials on an equal footing with their peers. Similarly, students who may have disabilities that prevent them from using traditional desktop environments can now access academic resources using assistive technologies included in the cloud desktop environment. This includes screen readers, speech recognition software, and other tools that can help students with disabilities engage with course materials in a way that works for them.

Supporting Students with Disabilities

Cloud desktops also benefit students with disabilities by providing greater degrees of accessibility and flexibility. For example, students with visual impairments can enlarge text and adjust the color contrast of their screen to make it easier to read. Meanwhile, students with mobility impairments can use assistive technologies to control their computer cursor, making it easier for them to navigate course materials and complete assignments. Through these technologies, students with disabilities are better able to participate in course activities and fully engage with their academic work. This can help to level the playing field and ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed in their studies.

Promoting Digital Literacy and Inclusivity

Cloud desktops also promote digital literacy and inclusivity more broadly. By providing access to course materials and software remotely, cloud desktops encourage students to take greater control over their own learning. This means that students are more self-sufficient and self-directed in their learning, which can promote greater engagement and retention of course materials. Furthermore, by providing equal access to educational resources, cloud desktops help to build a more inclusive learning environment. This can help to promote a sense of community and belonging among students from diverse backgrounds, which can have a positive impact on their overall academic experience. In conclusion, cloud desktops have the potential to be a powerful tool for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. By overcoming technological barriers, supporting students with disabilities, and promoting digital literacy and inclusivity, cloud desktops can help to create a more accessible and equitable learning environment for all students.

Fostering Collaboration and Engagement through Cloud Desktops

Virtual Learning Environments

Finally, cloud desktops foster collaboration and engagement among students and faculty. By enabling students to collaborate in real-time, cloud desktops facilitate active learning and deeper engagement with coursework. Additionally, cloud desktops can be used to create virtual learning environments that simulate traditional classroom settings, complete with real-time discussions and group activities.

Encouraging Cross-Cultural Collaboration

In addition to promoting collaboration among students and faculty, cloud desktops also facilitate cross-cultural collaboration. As institutions of higher education continue to diversify, it is increasingly important for students to engage with peers from different cultural backgrounds. Cloud desktops can help make such interactions possible by providing students with the means to collaborate across geographical and cultural divides.

Supporting Faculty in DEI Initiatives

Lastly, cloud desktops support faculty in their efforts to promote DEI in higher education. By providing greater accessibility and inclusivity, cloud desktops help faculty create more diverse and welcoming learning environments that account for the varying needs and experiences of all students.

Conclusion

Cloud desktops have proven instrumental in transforming diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. By providing students and faculty with access to educational resources and software remotely, cloud desktops offer greater flexibility, accessibility, and inclusivity. These benefits, in turn, are instrumental in promoting collaboration, engagement, self-reliance, and empowerment among students, and supporting faculty in their efforts to create inclusive learning environments. As higher education institutions continue to adapt to a rapidly diversifying student population, cloud desktops will remain an important tool in promoting DEI and transforming the educational experience for all learners.