The Everything-as-a-Service era is here: How the Enterprise Browser delivers on the XaaS Model

In the rapidly evolving world of Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS), security and accessibility take center stage. The Enterprise Browser, a cutting-edge solution by Island, is shaping the future of secure application access. Recognized by the latest Gartner Hype Cycle for XaaS, the Enterprise Browser is designed to offer unparalleled security, even on unmanaged or untrusted devices. This article dives into the transformative role of the Enterprise Browser in the XaaS delivery model, and how it stands apart from traditional solutions.

The most recent Gartner^Ⓡ Hype Cycle^TM for XaaS named Island as a Sample Vendor for Endpoint Access Isolation. The Enterprise Browser offers an elegant approach to secure application access even when the host device is unmanaged or untrusted. The unique last-mile controls and self protecting browser capabilities differentiates Island from legacy solutions like VDI/DaaS or classic VPN. As the research notes, “Trading physical hardware for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and desktop as a service (DaaS) sessions for contractors and partners won’t address the underlying security issues of the local machine — a viable vector for credential and IP theft.”¹

‍As the Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) trend continues, the browser has an increasingly critical role to play. Enterprise workflows with sensitive business information often take place exclusively through the browser — crossing multiple service providers on the far end. Workers that connect remotely outside the office, or third-party contractors that make up the extended workforce, put a strain on legacy security solutions that were designed for a managed endpoint and managed network environment. 

‍According to the Hype Cycle research, “Traditional remote access tools like classic VPN can profile a device but can’t actively neutralize local threats. As organizations rethink allowing access to SaaS apps via any browser, from any device, this technology can offer a more secure way to reach these apps. This technology allows organizations to simplify both the standard IT “stack” and its deployment to end users for remote access. This is particularly important as hybrid working remains a day-to-day reality for most organizations.”¹

‍Island pioneered the Enterprise Browser to deliver secure access and offer a productive workspace that works across any deployment model and all device types. By embedding access policies, data protection, and security controls within the Enterprise Browser, Island creates a safe working environment that works on unmanaged endpoints (e.g., BYOD or contractor devices) as well as managed endpoints. Last-mile controls protect sensitive data from moving outside the enterprise environment, and the self protecting browser neutralizes tampering and local malware, such as keystroke loggers. This approach is validated in the Hype Cycle research: “There is a trend of adding a layer of security through enforcing consistent browser configuration and control for any user accessing productivity apps and company data from an unmanaged PC.”¹

‍To support organizations with a mix of on-premise and cloud applications, the Enterprise Browser offers integrated Island Private Access (IPA) to make a secure connection to private applications or networks that aren’t open to the Internet. IT administrators or engineers use the integrated SSH client to securely connect to servers over IPA. Internal web applications that were built for Internet Explorer aren’t left behind either, as Island supports IE Mode for a seamless user experience across both modern and legacy applications. 

‍The Enterprise Browser represents a new approach to security that puts access controls, data protections, and application visibility at the point of maximum impact: inside the browser. To learn more about how the Enterprise Browser creates new opportunities for IT, Security, and the enterprise workforce more broadly, read a recent research report from Gartner^Ⓡ about the Future of Enterprise Browsers ². 

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¹ Source: Gartner, Hype Cycle for Xaas, Jason Donham, Philip Dawson, Chris Silva, Stuart Downes, et al., 20 July 2023 

² Gartner, Emerging Tech: Security — The Future of Enterprise Browsers, Dan Ayoub, Evgeny Mirolyubov, Max Taggett, Dave Messett, 14 April 2023

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