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Wisper: Secure remote working: Simplify remote working with a key! Revolutionising virtualisation!
ceBoxOS ® by Wisper provides companies with a groundbreaking PC management solution which addresses changes to current working methods, allowing you to:
Be ahead of the curve against rapid change.
Retain strength despite the recent crises.
Stay connected to your company’s work environment.
Work safely from home or elsewhere.
Take advantage of an integrated VPN on your work or home computer.
Five common problems associated with remote working are:
1. Feeling isolated.
2. Finding the right work/life balance.
3. Being productive.
4. Solving technical problems.
5. Managing security risks.
Looking closer at this fifth point; ceBoxOS ® by Wisper provides completely new security features, in terms of installation and simplicity, for remote working.
(1) Encryption of the connection
User login is through public key set encryption. Encryption is added to various layers of security, since the centrally managed information or command is encoded, allowing only the authorised user to read that information. Interferences on the corporate network are prevented by confidentiality techniques that limit access authorisations, meaning that only you can access the content of your devices.
(2) Multi-factor authorisation (MFA) and TOTP solution
To decrypt the environment, the administrator authorises a two-level (MFA) authentication certificate to secure access from ceBoxOS ®. This access process is compatible with any TOTP solution (validation of a password lasts only briefly before expiring). The authorisation can easily be revoked in the ceBox ® management console, meaning the administrator can control any unauthorised access that might jeopardise the security of their network.
Be ahead of the curve against rapid change.
Retain strength despite the recent crises.
Stay connected to your company’s work environment.
Work safely from home or elsewhere.
Take advantage of an integrated VPN on your work or home computer.
Five common problems associated with remote working are:
1. Feeling isolated.
2. Finding the right work/life balance.
3. Being productive.
4. Solving technical problems.
5. Managing security risks.
Looking closer at this fifth point; ceBoxOS ® by Wisper provides completely new security features, in terms of installation and simplicity, for remote working.
(1) Encryption of the connection
User login is through public key set encryption. Encryption is added to various layers of security, since the centrally managed information or command is encoded, allowing only the authorised user to read that information. Interferences on the corporate network are prevented by confidentiality techniques that limit access authorisations, meaning that only you can access the content of your devices.
(2) Multi-factor authorisation (MFA) and TOTP solution
To decrypt the environment, the administrator authorises a two-level (MFA) authentication certificate to secure access from ceBoxOS ®. This access process is compatible with any TOTP solution (validation of a password lasts only briefly before expiring). The authorisation can easily be revoked in the ceBox ® management console, meaning the administrator can control any unauthorised access that might jeopardise the security of their network.
(3) USB key
Physical recognition of the workstation (whether portable, fixed, personal or office-based) is enabled by a USB key, which acts as a means of robust authentication, increasing access security. It embeds a unique token creation mechanism. The ceBoxOS ® innovation here enables this key to create, for example, a separate work environment on a private PC without interacting with, or altering, the professional or personal environment; there is no permeability. At the end of the working day, the employee reverts to their own personal environment and data, without mixing the two areas.
(4) Encrypted tunnel to reconnect to your network
Our solution incorporates a virtual private network (VPN). Created between your machine or your local network and an external server, this tunnelling protocol (SD-WAN: OpenvSwitch, VXLAN) allows access to the customer’s information system from anywhere in the world: the ceBox ® network stream and its virtual machines are included. Latency issues are reduced.
(5) Firewalls and combating malware
ceBoxOS ® is not a security solution, but it is compatible with all security and firewall software. Whilst our software does not detect malware, it does allow you to restart your entire fleet in the shortest possible time, should you fall victim to a cyberattack. Managing all the workstations centrally enables updates and security patches to be applied in minutes and on 100% of workstations. What’s more, thanks to the non-persistent mode, the solution offers a ‘clean’ working environment on each restart.
(6) No data pass through ceBoxOS ®
The read-only mode encourages users to manage data using their own tools and network via a storage and management system that is theirs alone. Users find a healthy and efficient working environment daily with optimal and unrivalled multimedia performance, ease of collaborative work, high voice call quality and ease of use in the softphone and dual-screen versions.
ceBoxOS ® by Wisper also allows for:
- Scheduled personal/professional time management.
- Reduced power consumption by opting for NUC or ASUS boxes.
Physical recognition of the workstation (whether portable, fixed, personal or office-based) is enabled by a USB key, which acts as a means of robust authentication, increasing access security. It embeds a unique token creation mechanism. The ceBoxOS ® innovation here enables this key to create, for example, a separate work environment on a private PC without interacting with, or altering, the professional or personal environment; there is no permeability. At the end of the working day, the employee reverts to their own personal environment and data, without mixing the two areas.
(4) Encrypted tunnel to reconnect to your network
Our solution incorporates a virtual private network (VPN). Created between your machine or your local network and an external server, this tunnelling protocol (SD-WAN: OpenvSwitch, VXLAN) allows access to the customer’s information system from anywhere in the world: the ceBox ® network stream and its virtual machines are included. Latency issues are reduced.
(5) Firewalls and combating malware
ceBoxOS ® is not a security solution, but it is compatible with all security and firewall software. Whilst our software does not detect malware, it does allow you to restart your entire fleet in the shortest possible time, should you fall victim to a cyberattack. Managing all the workstations centrally enables updates and security patches to be applied in minutes and on 100% of workstations. What’s more, thanks to the non-persistent mode, the solution offers a ‘clean’ working environment on each restart.
(6) No data pass through ceBoxOS ®
The read-only mode encourages users to manage data using their own tools and network via a storage and management system that is theirs alone. Users find a healthy and efficient working environment daily with optimal and unrivalled multimedia performance, ease of collaborative work, high voice call quality and ease of use in the softphone and dual-screen versions.
ceBoxOS ® by Wisper also allows for:
- Scheduled personal/professional time management.
- Reduced power consumption by opting for NUC or ASUS boxes.
Wisper News
We tested for you… the DaaS!
Computer equipment rental: advantages and disadvantages !
Managing assets within companies often proves to be problematic.
Hardware and software are evolving at an incredible speed and technologies are quickly becoming obsolete. Indeed, the maintenance of computer equipment is very resource-intensive (requiring human input). Furthermore, equipment changes quickly become a headache and are financially draining for most organisations. It is only logical, therefore, that rental of IT equipment should come as an interesting and increasingly popular solution. But is that really the case? This is what we will try to uncover in this article…
IT leasing advantages
First advantage: price
This is the consideration that first comes to mind for IT and financial managers. In the short term, renting IT equipment is less expensive. However, it is from an accounting point of view that it can be particularly advantageous.
Firstly, there is no depreciation, which makes it possible to generate cash for other investments (R&D, personnel, etc.).
Additionally, the rental can be tax deductible and the costs of maintaining the IT infrastructure can also be deducted, as IT equipment can often be subject to failure or malfunction problems.
Second advantage: the latest generation of equipment
According to a study by WiPro Product Strategy and Services, the lifetime of a PC is three years. This leaves the company with two choices:
• Either the company changes its IT equipment every three years. It quickly becomes expensive, or even impossible to manage, from a logistical point of view.
OR
• The company keeps its equipment but risks being faced with computers that are obsolete and inefficient, meaning that the latest software versions may not work well on the machines. It is complicated to follow software developments that are increasingly consuming hardware resources.
This is where rental makes sense because it allows you to benefit from the latest generation of equipment without requiring significant investments at fixed periods.
In reality it can be a better fit to take a three-year rental contract and renew it. In addition, a rental model with monthly invoicing, for example, helps to control costs.
Third advantage: homogeneity of the IT infrastructure
Renting IT equipment allows homogeneity of the equipment, a significant advantage for the company. Here, the IT department manages a uniform IT infrastructure, thus avoiding software incompatibility and ensuring support is facilitated.
A heterogeneous IT infrastructure is often more prone to security problems. In reality, a desktop that has not been updated can experience failures. It can also contaminate the computer equipment, leading to a considerable slowdown of the company’s activity.
Fourth advantage: advice and assistance
By renting their IT equipment, the company can sometimes relieve itself of the management of its infrastructures, which requires time and technical skills.
Some providers offer an all-in-one package, which provides support for the IT department. The maintenance of the IT infrastructure is managed by an external service provider, an expert in its field. Outsourcing is attracting more and more large groups.
The disadvantages of computer rental
First disadvantage: duration and clause of the contract
A computer equipment rental contract commits the company to a long-term vision. With an average contract term of between three to five years, depending on the clauses, it can prove difficult to change the options mid contract. The solution is to research in advance all the factors incorporated in the proposed offer, such as:
• The duration of the contract.
• The clauses.
• The company’s performance needs.
• The quality of the offer and service of the rental.
If the company does not make the right choice, it ends up with a service that could affect productivity.
Second disadvantage: return of the equipment
Once the lease expires, the company must return the equipment it has leased. If users have not taken care of the computers at their disposal, the company will then have to pay compensation for the damage caused to the equipment. The invoice can rise very quickly. Therefore users must be made aware and informed about this subject beforehand.
IT equipment rental; an opportunity to study
The rental of IT equipment is an interesting solution for companies wishing to benefit from the latest generation of equipment without impacting their cash flow in the short term. Even if some disadvantages must be taken into account, this solution is nonetheless beneficial in its entirety. Several rental solutions of this type exist. For example, our ceBoxOS® solution is offered on a monthly subscription basis, including desktop rental and a centralised management solution (workstation setup, updates, remote controls, to name but a few). For more information, take a look at our presentation page.
Hardware and software are evolving at an incredible speed and technologies are quickly becoming obsolete. Indeed, the maintenance of computer equipment is very resource-intensive (requiring human input). Furthermore, equipment changes quickly become a headache and are financially draining for most organisations. It is only logical, therefore, that rental of IT equipment should come as an interesting and increasingly popular solution. But is that really the case? This is what we will try to uncover in this article…
IT leasing advantages
First advantage: price
This is the consideration that first comes to mind for IT and financial managers. In the short term, renting IT equipment is less expensive. However, it is from an accounting point of view that it can be particularly advantageous.
Firstly, there is no depreciation, which makes it possible to generate cash for other investments (R&D, personnel, etc.).
Additionally, the rental can be tax deductible and the costs of maintaining the IT infrastructure can also be deducted, as IT equipment can often be subject to failure or malfunction problems.
Second advantage: the latest generation of equipment
According to a study by WiPro Product Strategy and Services, the lifetime of a PC is three years. This leaves the company with two choices:
• Either the company changes its IT equipment every three years. It quickly becomes expensive, or even impossible to manage, from a logistical point of view.
OR
• The company keeps its equipment but risks being faced with computers that are obsolete and inefficient, meaning that the latest software versions may not work well on the machines. It is complicated to follow software developments that are increasingly consuming hardware resources.
This is where rental makes sense because it allows you to benefit from the latest generation of equipment without requiring significant investments at fixed periods.
In reality it can be a better fit to take a three-year rental contract and renew it. In addition, a rental model with monthly invoicing, for example, helps to control costs.
Third advantage: homogeneity of the IT infrastructure
Renting IT equipment allows homogeneity of the equipment, a significant advantage for the company. Here, the IT department manages a uniform IT infrastructure, thus avoiding software incompatibility and ensuring support is facilitated.
A heterogeneous IT infrastructure is often more prone to security problems. In reality, a desktop that has not been updated can experience failures. It can also contaminate the computer equipment, leading to a considerable slowdown of the company’s activity.
Fourth advantage: advice and assistance
By renting their IT equipment, the company can sometimes relieve itself of the management of its infrastructures, which requires time and technical skills.
Some providers offer an all-in-one package, which provides support for the IT department. The maintenance of the IT infrastructure is managed by an external service provider, an expert in its field. Outsourcing is attracting more and more large groups.
The disadvantages of computer rental
First disadvantage: duration and clause of the contract
A computer equipment rental contract commits the company to a long-term vision. With an average contract term of between three to five years, depending on the clauses, it can prove difficult to change the options mid contract. The solution is to research in advance all the factors incorporated in the proposed offer, such as:
• The duration of the contract.
• The clauses.
• The company’s performance needs.
• The quality of the offer and service of the rental.
If the company does not make the right choice, it ends up with a service that could affect productivity.
Second disadvantage: return of the equipment
Once the lease expires, the company must return the equipment it has leased. If users have not taken care of the computers at their disposal, the company will then have to pay compensation for the damage caused to the equipment. The invoice can rise very quickly. Therefore users must be made aware and informed about this subject beforehand.
IT equipment rental; an opportunity to study
The rental of IT equipment is an interesting solution for companies wishing to benefit from the latest generation of equipment without impacting their cash flow in the short term. Even if some disadvantages must be taken into account, this solution is nonetheless beneficial in its entirety. Several rental solutions of this type exist. For example, our ceBoxOS® solution is offered on a monthly subscription basis, including desktop rental and a centralised management solution (workstation setup, updates, remote controls, to name but a few). For more information, take a look at our presentation page.
Well, it is the model on which technologies such as IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), SaaS (Software as a Service) and PaaS (Platform as a Service) are based. There is also a further solution, DaaS (Desktop as a Service), and that is what we will be talking about in this article.
Focus on DaaS: DaaS is a cloud solution offering a virtual desktop system. The infrastructure is hosted in the cloud and users access it as a service on a run-of-the mill basis and according to their needs.
What are the advantages of such a solution?
The user can access their desktop interface at any time and from any place, ensuring efficiency of remote working.
The Desktop as a Service (DaaS) allows you to drastically lower the TCO (total cost of ownership) thanks to significant energy saving and the removal of a hardware disk. You can also save time on the maintenance of an IT infrastructure that is sometimes complex to manage. Finally, the scalability and implementation are time efficient given that in just minutes you can deploy new applications and corrective patches.
There are some disadvantages, however…
Firstly, the DaaS requires an internet connection. In fact, without it the user will not be able to access their applications and data. In addition, for extensive software a very good connection will be required. Forget DTP softwares if your users do not have a broadband connection. Furthermore, the possibilities for customising the user workstation are quite limited through a pre-packaged DaaS solution.
Some IT managers prefer to own assets rather than leasing materials to avoid making a continuous payment. Let’s discover what the advantages and disadvantages of leasing are in our article. Some others claim that DaaS is not suitable for complex environments. Let’s discover the complete DaaS adoption report here.
However, according to an IDC, DaaS contracts will have risen from one in every 100 prior to 2016, to one in every six or seven PCs between 2016 and 2020.
So, what are the DaaS solutions on the market today? What are their benefits and drawbacks?
Citrix
Citrix’s DaaS offering is known as ‘Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Standard’. It was originally created to extend the functionalities of Windows’ Virtual Desktop. This company has dominated the cloud and virtualisation industry for many years.
Citrix is a direct competitor of VMware and offers its services to other service providers through its global strategic partners or its system integrators. The price goes from $8 USD to $16 USD per user/month according to your needs, the number of users and the chosen period of your subscription.
This solution offers many benefits to its customers. Firstly, it delivers a ready-to-go solution for remote working. You can even deploy virtual apps and desktops in very little time. Next, it offers a highly secure environment by providing innovative and efficient tools to protect your content. Finally, it facilitates BYOD management and remote work by furnishing ‘adaptive workspace intelligence that organises, guides and automates work’.
Benefits:
• The solution can be used on mobile devices (iOS, Android, and Windows).
• Great user experience with innovative workspace intelligence.
• Data highly secured.
• Very easy to scale and manage desktops in remote work.
• 90-day self-service trial version.
Drawbacks:
• Need for technical know-how to get started with the solution.
• Azure cloud dependency.
Amazon WorkSpaces
A pioneer in the cloud computing market, Amazon launched its DaaS offering on 3 March 2006.
Amazon offers its services to other service providers through its consulting and technology partners. Pricing varies according to your needs, as well as the defined location (where the virtual PCs will be hosted) but it varies from $42 USD to $80 USD per month. It is also possible to pay by the hour.
Amazon’s strength is its developer centre, gathering a powerful community made up of developers and architects.
Benefits:
• Used by 80% of CAC 40 companies according to Amazon’s CTO.
• Wide and complete offer that allows you to adapt to your budget and your needs.
• Available in 13 countries
• Available across platforms (mobile, desktop, tablets).
• Amazon uses its own technology.
Drawbacks:
• Costs can quickly skyrocket.
• The platform requires an adaptation time and technological knowledge.
• Video and audio are not optimal.
Windows Virtual Desktop
The American IT giant launched its DaaS offer in September 2018 to offer simplified management, a multi-session Windows 10 experience, optimisations for Office 365 ProPlus and support for Windows Server Remote Desktop Services and applications. It is orientated towards large companies which already have knowledge in this field.
Microsoft offers its services to other service providers through its Azure advanced specialisation partners and its Azure expert managed service providers. The price varies according to your needs, the support you require, the licensing programme, as well as the defined location (where the virtual PCs will be hosted). You can request an estimate directly from their website.
Benefits:
• Deliver Windows 10 on any device, anywhere (36 geographical areas available).
• Install and scale in minutes.
• Reduce cost using existing licenses.
• Highly secured solution, detecting threats rapidly.
• Free access for 12 months.
Drawbacks:
• Azure cloud dependency.
• Need for a dimensioned and available WAN link.
• Complexity of the environment and need for regularly trained teams.
• Interconnection with existing complex architecture.
• Significant and hidden cost.
• Sizing complexity.
• Display offset.
There are a huge number of DaaS solutions and suppliers, with new solutions being created every year. We could have presented other solutions such as Apps4Rent and dinCloud to show just a few of the options.
Ultimately, the ideal solution will depend on your infrastructure, the needs of your users, your management, your expertise, and your budget.
IT must no longer be a source of slowdown or technical problems but must enhance the work of collaborators. DaaS is an innovative solution that meets the needs of certain mobile users or remote work.