6 Reasons Why Enterprises Are Shifting from VDI to SquareX
SquareX’s VDI Replacement Solution — Contractor & Developer Access through Secure Private Environments
Modern Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions and Desktop as a Service (DaaS) have come a long way from their legacy predecessors. They’ve addressed several pain points around scalability, performance, and ease of management, providing a much better experience than traditional VDI. However, despite their advancements, they still present challenges in deployment complexity, device management, and security gaps, particularly when it comes to unmanaged and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios. That’s why enterprises are now turning to SquareX — a more flexible and secure browser-native approach that takes modern VDI’s benefits a step further.
Here’s why SquareX stands out as a compelling choice for enterprises looking to move beyond the constraints of modern VDI.
1. True Lightweight Access Without Additional Client Software
While VDI solutions often require client software or virtual desktop agents to be installed on user devices, SquareX’s browser-based model eliminates this need entirely. Users access their secure environments directly from any modern browser, removing any dependency on endpoint software or hardware compatibility. This provides a truly lightweight approach to access management without requiring enterprises to worry about compatibility across different devices and platforms.
This is particularly advantageous in BYOD and unmanaged device scenarios where the need for quick, secure access is paramount and installing extra software on personal devices may not be feasible or desirable.
2. Seamless User Experience Without Compromising on Security
Modern VDI solutions have made strides in providing better user experiences, but they often still require users to operate in separate environments for security reasons. Switching between a personal and work desktop environment can be cumbersome, impacting productivity.
SquareX provides a seamless user experience by enabling secure access within the user’s native browser session. There’s no need to shift between virtual and local desktops; users interact directly with the apps and resources they need without jumping through extra steps. This approach not only preserves a smooth workflow but also ensures that security is embedded at every step.
3. Browser-Native Security for Modern Web Threats
VDI solutions tend to focus on securing the desktop environment itself, but with an increasing number of attacks targeting the browser — whether through phishing, malicious websites, or rogue extensions — browser security has become a critical aspect of endpoint protection. However, modern VDI solutions fall short in providing robust browser-level security.
SquareX’s built-in Browser Detection and Response (BDR) capabilities provide advanced threat protection at the browser level. It detects and mitigates web-based threats such as phishing, malicious file downloads, and browser-based malware, all in real-time. This added layer of security makes SquareX especially suitable for enterprises dealing with sensitive data and advanced threat landscapes.
4. Granular Application Access Controls for Better Governance
A key issue with modern VDI is the lack of granular access controls for web applications. Once users gain access to their virtual desktops, it’s challenging to manage permissions on an application-by-application basis. This opens up unnecessary exposure to data and increases potential attack vectors.
SquareX addresses this by allowing administrators to define access policies not just for the entire virtual environment, but for each web application and internal resource. This per-application policy management ensures that users can access only what they need — nothing more — thereby reducing security risks and tightening governance. Additionally, these controls are device-agnostic, meaning they work consistently across managed, unmanaged, and BYOD devices.
5. Enhanced BYOD and Contractor Access Without Endpoint Risks
Modern VDI solutions often face challenges in securely managing access for contractors, external partners, or employees using their own devices. Ensuring that endpoint security policies are followed and keeping track of each device’s security status can be difficult and time-consuming.
SquareX’s browser-based access allows enterprises to bypass endpoint security complexities. By deploying a secure, containerized browser session that operates independently of the local device environment, organizations can confidently provide access to contractors and BYOD users.
6. Developer-Focused Environments Without Traditional VDI Overhead
For developer teams, the need for access to specific tools, applications, and environments is crucial. While modern VDI can offer virtual development desktops, they often come with the same drawbacks of managing full desktop environments and dealing with resource limitations.
SquareX enables developer-specific environments, packaging thick clients through containerized desktops that are tailored to the workflows of each developer or team. In this environment developers can use IDEs like VS Code, command-line tools, database servers and other development utilities directly in their browsers.
SquareX represents the next step in secure, scalable access management for a workforce that demands agility, flexibility, and robust security.
Read More: https://sqrx.com/usecases/vdi
Ready to Make the Shift?
If you’re looking to modernize your access management and secure internal resources more effectively, learn how SquareX can help by scheduling a demo at sqrx.com/enterprisepilot
6 Reasons Why Enterprises Are Shifting from VDI to SquareX was originally published in SquareX Labs on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from SquareX Labs - Medium authored by Engineering @ SquareX. Read the original post at: https://labs.sqrx.com/6-reasons-why-enterprises-are-shifting-from-vdi-to-squarex-8bc0a0835cc3?source=rss----f5a55541436d---4
