Industry Insights with Jason Trunk

CXO / IT Leadership , IT Strategy , IT Workforce

How to Evaluate Enterprise Browser Vendors

Assess Your Organization's Needs for Manageability and Efficiency Features
How to Evaluate Enterprise Browser Vendors
Image: Island

Not all enterprise browsers are created equal. So, how can you properly evaluate the options on the market to select the right one?

Questions to Ask Any Enterprise Browser Vendor

Ask these questions to every enterprise browser vendor you're considering. Their responses will help you choose your vendor more objectively. Here are key considerations to remember when evaluating the vendors' responses.

See Also: OnDemand | AI-Driven Endpoint Security: Adapting to Industry Changes

How many of your customers have a size and industry similar to my organization?

Many small vendors offer some version of an enterprise browser, and while its feature list may meet some or most of your technical requirements, other factors will affect the success of your deployment. Larger organizations usually need support for various devices, so cross-device compatibility should be one of the first things you ask about. Be sure to also ask about 24/7 customer support and global scalability, which are critical as your organization grows internationally.

Does the enterprise browser offer integrated zero trust network access?

The term "zero trust" is used to describe a wide range of technical capabilities. When exploring an enterprise browser, it's essential to understand if zero trust principles are applied throughout its technology stack and extend to the "last mile of zero trust." Some vendors require you to purchase additional products or integrate with other technologies to deliver ZTNA.

Is the enterprise browser available on mobile devices?

Mobile availability is a must in contemporary business environments, so the enterprise browser must support mobile devices. Some vendors may not support mobile applications for iOS and Android or may offer a significantly reduced feature set for mobile. Be sure to check that full mobile support is available.

Does the user experience help enable productivity?

Many vendors orient their products exclusively around security requirements and treat the user experience as a secondary priority, but user experience and satisfaction are critical in driving productivity. Ask about the speed of the browser's performance and the features or functions built into the browser to help speed up workflows and make work more efficient.

Do you offer both a stand-alone enterprise browser and browser extension to manage and secure the consumer browsers in my environment?

Finding a vendor that supports both enterprise browsers as a stand-alone application and a browser extension is key, as it provides organizations with the ability to have the back-end management controls they require - and flexibility in the deployment method.

The Best Option for a Modern Enterprise Browser

Island, the Enterprise Browser, provides organizations with the core requirements every enterprise stakeholder needs - from CIOs and CISOs to IT, lines of business, users and everyone in between. Rooted in the philosophy that the enterprise browser should take a holistic approach and benefit everyone in the organization, Island provides a comprehensive set of features and benefits that enhance the work experience for all.

Efficiency and Cost Savings

Island's core functionality negates some of the security tools, endpoint agents and IT solutions previously needed to secure and enable the enterprise. These built-in features lower the cost and effort involved in licensing, deploying, maintaining and supporting the infrastructure for additional solutions.

Application Provisioning

Every user in your organization gets a personalized workspace with all the applications that they should have access to, whether they’re SaaS, web applications or non-web apps. We support the latter via Secure Shell or Remote Desktop Protocol, removing the need for desktop installation. This makes the onboarding process more efficient and improves the user experience.

Analytics and Data

Island provides analytics on application usage and performance. This data, combined with workflow insights, helps organizations optimize application spending, identify and remediate performance issues, and inform IT strategy to maximize business value.

Remote Access

Island supports the burgeoning trend for remote work by removing the need for traditional VPN or virtual desktop infrastructure solutions. Secure remote access for employees or contractors outside the corporate office is built into Island, empowering employees to access their applications from anywhere, using any device they want.

Data Protection

Island builds dynamic data protections into the browser, which enables you to create policies that prevent data leakage. With Island, you can protect sensitive data from being improperly downloaded or uploaded before it leaves or enters the browser and set your policies to govern the exact scenarios in which screenshots, copy/paste, saving or printing can be executed. This granular level of control allows data to move freely between work applications while preventing it from leaking elsewhere.

Safe Browsing and Password Protections

Island helps stop phishing attacks before credentials are compromised and blocks access to unsafe or inappropriate sites. It also prevents password exfiltration or interception through local malware such as keyloggers and builds in an integrated password manager that's optimized for enterprise use. Island also supports privileged access management workflows - users can authenticate with credentials assigned to them without ever having to see a password.

Zero Trust Security

Organizations can easily implement a zero trust security framework across a wide range of deployment scenarios. Island's zero trust security framework is integrated into the browser, emphasizing user identity verification, device compliance and least privilege access to resources, thereby mitigating a broad range of cybersecurity threats.

Productivity and Automations

Island has built-in ad blocking to remove distractions and speed up browsing and it includes tools that help users to be more productive, such as an AI assistant, a password manager, a smart clipboard manager and a PDF editor. Users who carry out repetitive tasks can simplify them using Island's workflow automation feature. Best part of it all? These automations are built into the browser and can be leveraged across any application.

True enterprise browsers deliver multifaceted ROI. Settle for nothing less.

Enterprise browsers come in various guises. The majority are focused on security, and while security is a critical feature, the contemporary needs of the enterprise extend far beyond that. Modern organizations have to realize the most from their investments in tools and people, and the leading enterprise browser solutions generate an ROI that affects more than one dimension.

Read about how Hendricks Motorsports enhances productivity, security and data analytics while ensuring seamless and secure access for its diverse team with the Island Enterprise Browser.



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