Using Workspace Aggregators to go Mobile with Legacy Applications
Most agree enterprise computing has experienced a monumental shift toward “The Cloud,” a technological revolution that allows IT assets to be stored, managed and used in new ways. Some say it’s the biggest wave of change in the IT industry since smaller, networked machines dethroned mainframe computers in the early 1990’s.
The Cloud has opened the door to more efficient ways of consuming IT resources and new ways of working. According to a Pew Research Survey, more than one-in-three American workers today are Millennials (aged 18 to 34) who desire to use their personal devices on the job, and to work from any location using any device—whether a PC, smartphone or tablet. While companies see value in moving to the cloud, many still benefit from business critical applications developed on legacy computer systems. As such, many companies opt for hybrid IT environments in which some IT assets remain on premise while cloud-based services are used for others. According to analyst firm Gartner, nearly half of large enterprises will have hybrid cloud deployments by end of 2017.
Helping to bridge this hybrid IT environment and simplify enterprise mobility is a new software technology called a workspace aggregator. For example, Awingu software is a unified cloud platform solution that can aggregate all company files and applications – whether on premise or in the cloud – and give workers secure and instant access through a web-based workspace from anywhere in the world. All that is needed is a browser and internet connection. Awingu is also independent of any operating system, which means workers can access the workspace using any internet-capable device (e.g., Android, Windows, iOS).
Workspace aggregators also help companies implement BYOD policies in a secure way. For instance, Awingu can integrate with any security software being used in a company’s back-end infrastructure, and it doesn’t interfere with IT governance since all files and applications remain centrally managed: No data ever transfers to the workspace. Another unique benefit is that no agent or VPN software installation is required on the mobile device itself, meaning no footprint is left behind and file sharing is as simple as sending a URL to another user to allow access for collaboration or real-time editing.
Awingu works seamlessly with existing technology such as Office 365 or Google for Work, and integrates with any public cloud service, including Microsoft Azure, Google Compute or Amazon Web Service (AWS). To learn more about how Awingu is helping to mobilize legacy applications and bridge today’s hybrid IT environment, or to request a free trial, visit www.awingu.com