In April 2019, BlackBerry released an update of its “BlackBerry® Access™ for Windows” (2.0.1.26) and “BlackBerry® Access™ for Mac” solution (2.0.1.30). This release includes interesting and cool Awingu Single Sign-on and “quick launch” features. As the BlackBerry Access release notes read: “Users can now store Awingu credentials and restore their sessions automatically. A new Enable Awingu Extension app setting has been added. Once enabled, you can add your organization’s Awingu URL and domain.”
BlackBerry Access 2.0.1.x and Awingu
The latest release of BlackBerry Access takes the partnership to the next level for joint end-customers by making significant steps in the UX: (1) Users now only need to authenticate into BlackBerry Access and will then be authenticated into Awingu (Single Sign-on), and (2) can they can open their Awingu workspace by using the quick launch link at the top right. These features are now available for the desktop versions of BlackBerry Access. Both features significantly increase the end user experience, and this without any complexity for the IT admin.
Note that Awingu admins can also define applications to launch in ‘focus’ for specific users; e.g. if user JohnDoe authenticates into Awingu he immediately gets to see his hosted Windows 10 desktop instead of the Awingu Workspace.
BlackBerry® Access™: secure & managed browser
When Awingu and BlackBerry announced their partnership on November 7th, 2018, BlackBerry Access was a central component. BlackBerry Access is a secure and managed browser in which users can access their Awingu workspace without any hassle. As such getting access to a set of BlackBerry applications as well as ‘legacy’ Windows RemoteApps, Remote Desktops, VDI’s, web applications, … that run through Awingu.
The architecture is very straight-forward: the Awingu virtual appliance(s) is deployed behind BlackBerry Access and connected to the back-end (AD, RDP based apps, VDI’s, ..) similar to any Awingu deployment.
Yes, Awingu runs on other browsers such as Google Chrome, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge (and others). But BlackBerry Access will bring additional value such as:
- Management of the browser, without managing the device itself (e.g. Selectively remote wipe the secure browser to protect corporate information and content – without affecting users’ personal data)
- Enable mobile access to BlackBerry applications and a broad range of web apps and intranet resources
- Separate business data and personal information on the end-user device thanks to “next-generation” containerization
- Have offline access to documents stored in the container
“Ultra-secure solutions like this joint offering from BlackBerry and Awingu enable businesses to deploy BYOD devices without increased risk of data loss. The partnership between BlackBerry and Awingu means our shared customers can enjoy highly secure and audited access to company resources, including existing infrastructure and legacy applications, on any device.”
Mark Wilson (Chief Marketing Officer, BlackBerry)
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