Citrix Replacement Why Parallels RAS is One of the Best Alternatives
How DaaS is helping improve hybrid work models
Organizations are evolving their workforce’s needs. That’s why 80% of companies are planning to adopt a hybrid work model.
For example, Alludo is remote-first, where employees can choose their primary workplace.
When my fellow Alludians need to, we can use alternative workspaces. For example, we can work in a regional Alludo office or a flexible ‘hotel-style’ workspace.
This hybrid work approach allows employees to choose their best working environment.
84% of Alludo employees reported that this flexible working arrangement improved work-life balance.
98% said remote work was more productive than when there was an office-based culture.
The number of remote workers will rise over the next five years, so hybrid work models will also grow.
Let’s explore hybrid work models and how Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solutions can play a critical role.
Enable hybrid work models by adapting DaaS. Talk to us about securing your remote employees with Parallels DaaS.
Understanding hybrid work models
Hybrid work models are different from the traditional 9-to-5 office-based work.
Rather than be glued to their desks, employees can work from various locations, such as their homes, a coffee shop, or the office itself.
The hybrid work approach enables companies to support diverse work styles. Hybrid work improves employee satisfaction and productivity. It represents a fundamental change in how work is conceptualized and executed. Hybrid work breaks down the barriers of time and space that once confined productivity.
Hybrid work models also provide a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. Candidates choose flexibility and work-life balance when evaluating job opportunities.
They are looking for companies that show they understand and value their need for flexibility, making them more attractive employers. Nearly 70% of companies agree that adopting a hybrid model improves recruitment and retention of employees.
Source: Survey of Business Uncertainty conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Stanford University, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
By adopting hybrid work models, organizations can better serve the needs of their employees. The need for autonomy and flexibility to perform their best work allows companies to remain competitive and successful in today’s marketplace.
Challenges of hybrid work
Hybrid work models are becoming popular due to their many benefits. Still, this model also presents several challenges, especially in technology and collaboration.
One of the most significant challenges is ensuring that remote and in-office employees have equal access to the tools, resources, and applications required to perform their jobs efficiently.
Access is usually standardized across all employees in a traditional office setting.
However, it can be challenging to maintain equality in a hybrid work environment, leading to inefficiencies and frustration.
To overcome this challenge, companies should invest in technological solutions that enable easy access to essential tools and resources, regardless of location.
By adopting cloud-based platforms and collaboration tools, employees can easily access these resources from any device with an internet connection.
Another significant challenge of hybrid work is maintaining security, compliance, and data integrity across different work environments.
With employees accessing sensitive information from various locations and devices, organizations face increased cybersecurity risks, including data breaches, malware attacks, and insider threats.
To mitigate these risks, organizations must implement comprehensive security measures that protect remote and in-office environments.
Some measures may include deploying endpoint security solutions, implementing multi-factor authentication, and conducting regular security training and awareness programs for employees.
Additionally, organizations must ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, to protect sensitive data and avoid regulatory penalties.
The final challenge that a hybrid work model can bring is fostering collaboration across distances.
Collaboration is essential for the success of any organization.
Still, it can be challenging to maintain in a hybrid work environment where employees are physically dispersed, and spontaneous interactions and face-to-face communication are not directly available to remote employees.
Companies must leverage technological solutions to overcome this and facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among distributed teams.
These solutions may include video conferencing platforms, instant messaging tools, and project management software that enable real-time communication and collaboration regardless of location.
Fostering a collaborative culture through regular team meetings, virtual social events, and collaborative projects can help strengthen bonds and drive collective success.
Leveraging DaaS for seamless integration
Desktop as a Service solutions offer a compelling solution to the challenges posed by hybrid work models.
By delivering virtual desktops and applications over the Internet, DaaS ensures that employees can access their work environment from anywhere, using any device.
Companies can benefit from the flexibility to seamlessly integrate remote and in-office work environments, enabling employees to work efficiently and collaboratively regardless of location.
1. Flexibility
DaaS provides high flexibility for employees, enabling them to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Using DaaS removes the need for employees to worry about whether the technological infrastructure is in place wherever they may be working.
2. Consistency
DaaS ensures employees have the consistency essential to productivity and continuity when working in hybrid environments. It enables employees to access their desktops and applications the same way, regardless of whether they are in the office or working remotely.
3. Collaboration
DaaS facilitates seamless collaboration among remote and in-office teams by providing a centralized platform for accessing shared files, applications, and resources.
A centralized platform ensures employees can access the files they need quickly and easily, wherever they may be working from.
4. Security
One of the most significant benefits of DaaS is its robust security features. DaaS solutions offer a range of security features, including data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and centralized access controls, to protect sensitive information across hybrid work environments.
With DaaS, businesses can be confident that their data is secure, even when employees work remotely.
5. Scalability
DaaS solutions are highly scalable, allowing organizations to quickly adapt to changing workforce needs.
Scalability is essential in hybrid work environments, where businesses must scale their infrastructure up or down quickly and efficiently to meet demand.
With DaaS, businesses can quickly add or remove users as needed without worrying about the technical infrastructure required to support them.
Hybrid work models are becoming increasingly common as companies adapt to changing workforce needs.
DaaS solutions are proving to be essential in enabling the seamless integration between remote and in-office work environments, allowing companies to offer their employees the flexibility to work remotely and collaborate effectively, leading to success in a dynamic work environment.
The future of work is still evolving, and DaaS is expected to play a crucial role in driving innovation and productivity in hybrid work environments.
Parallels DaaS is your secure platform that supports hybrid work
Whether your employees are working from the office or remotely, Parallels® DaaS offers seamless access to virtual applications and desktop environments.
Its cloud-hosted control plane enables secure remote access to your business applications, desktops, and data from any internet-connected device.
The solution’s quick and easy onboarding process allows for immediate access to applications and desktops from any device, eliminating the complexity surrounding user onboarding and managing users and applications. This makes it easier for even small businesses to deliver and use enterprise-grade IT solutions.
Thanks to its unique architecture, with access points closer to where data and users reside, Parallels DaaS promises the best performance for end-users, with transparent operations for administrators.
So, if you’re looking for a solution that can help you embrace hybrid work and enable your employees to work productively from anywhere, check out Parallels DaaS.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
About Parallels
Parallels® is a global leader in cross-platform solutions, enabling businesses and individuals to access and use the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology available, whether it’s Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android or the cloud.
ESET Launches a New Solution for Small Office/Home Office Businesses
ESET launches a new global ESET Small Business Security (ESBS) offering, specifically addressing the needs of small office/home office businesses to keep the company and customer data safe.
The new ESBS solution is easy to use and offers diverse features tailored to safeguard online transactions, lock and locate devices in case of loss or theft, manage passwords, protect servers, encrypt sensitive data, and counter phishing scams.
ESBS includes ESET HOME, a complete security management platform with information about the user’s security status, devices, subscriptions, and used features.
BRATISLAVA — April 09, 2024 —ESET, a global leader in digital security, is pleased to announce the introduction of the ESET Small Business Security (ESBS) offering, specifically designed to meet the cybersecurity needs of small office/home office (SOHO) business owners. This comprehensive security solution is engineered to provide seamless, user-friendly protection, enabling SOHO customers to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.
ESBS is a testament to ESET’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to supporting the growth and security of SOHO businesses globally. The solution can support from five to 25 devices (depending on the country) and offers an array of features tailored to safeguard online transactions and browsing, secure devices, manage passwords, protect Windows servers, encrypt sensitive data, and counter phishing scams. Furthermore, ESBS facilitates safe and anonymous browsing alongside unlimited VPN security where applicable, ensuring both work and personal devices are shielded from cyber threats.
Considering the launch, Viktória Ivanová, Vice President of Consumer and IoT Segment at ESET, stated, “At ESET, we are aware of the unique needs of our small office/home office customers, which lie in between consumer and business. With the launch of ESET Small Business Security, we aim to provide small office/home office business owners with a simple yet powerful solution for their businesses that is easily manageable, highly reliable, and tailored to their needs and that empowers them to focus on their growth without compromising on security.”
ESBS includes the ESET HOME security management platform, which enables the user to have complete security management and offers the customer a convenient space with information about security status, devices, subscriptions, and used features. ESET HOME is available via a web portal and a mobile application, allowing users to have security of their devices under control anywhere they go.
ESBS guarantees reliable security with a minimal system footprint, ensuring efficient protection that is effortless to manage and compatible across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Android, and macOS. Customers benefit from an all-encompassing security solution, including unlimited VPN, Safe Banking, a Browser Privacy & Security extension, a Password Manager, Safe Server (for file servers running on Windows Server), Anti-Theft, Ransomware Shield, and more. This solution represents a significant stride in cybersecurity management, offering unparalleled convenience and control to SOHO business owners.
This announcement marks a pivotal step forward in the provision of targeted cybersecurity solutions for the SOHO market, reinforcing ESET’s position as a forward-thinking, customer-centric organization in the digital security domain.
For more detailed information about ESET and its ESBS offering, please read here.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.
How to update your PC BIOS
Content:
Every computer has its BIOS, short for Basic Input/Output System), which is a firmware installed on the PC’s motherboard. Through the BIOS you may initialize and configure hardware components (CPU, RAM, hard disk, etc.). Let’s say it’s a kind of translator or bridge between computer hardware and software. Its main functions are:
- Initialize the hardware.
- Detect and load the bootloader and operating system.
- Configure multiple parameters of your PC such as boot sequence, time and date, RAM times and CPU voltage.
- Set up security mechanisms like a password to restrict access to your PC.
Importance of understanding how to access and update the BIOS
Since its main function is to initialize and check that all the hardware components of your PC are working properly, if everything is working correctly, BIOS looks for the operating system on the hard drive or other boot device connected to your PC. However, accessing BIOS may be an unknown process for many users, preventing its update, which can guarantee the performance of the equipment and its security. Later in this blog we will explain how to access BIOS.
Clarification on the non-routine nature of BIOS updates
It is recommended to update BIOS to maintain performance, stability and computer security. Your PC manufacturer can send BIOS updates to add features or fix some bugs. The process is overall simple, but it must be done with great care to avoid irreversible damage. Also, it should be avoided to turn off or cut off the power in the middle of an upgrade process with serious consequences for the equipment.
Accessing the BIOS from Windows
To access BIOS, there are several options, from the following buttons, depending on the brand of your computer:
- Dell: F2 or F12
- HP: F10
- Lenovo: F2, Fn + F2, F1, or Enter followed by F1
- Asus: F9, F10 or Delete
- Acer: F2 or Delete
- Microsoft Surface: Hold the volume up button pressed
- Samsung/Toshiba/Intel/ASRock/Origin PC: F2
- MSI/Gigabyte/EVGA/Zotac/BIOStar: Delete
Instructions for accessing the BIOS from Windows 10 or 11 through Settings and the Advanced Start option
Just follow these instructions:
- Restart your computer and wait for the manufacturer’s logo to appear.
- Press the key one of the keys mentioned above when viewing the home screen to access the BIOS settings.
- Once in the BIOS, you may navigate through the different options using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
You may also follow this process in Windows 11:
- On the login or lock screen, press the Shift key on your keyboard and tap the power button (or click the power option at the bottom right of the login screen). Then choose the Reset option from the menu.
- When Windows 11 restarts, you will be shown the advanced startup screen (choose an option).
- Then scroll to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings and click Restart.
Since BIOS configuration can have an impact on the operation of your PC, it is recommended to seek help from a professional.
Alternatives to using the Windows 10 and 11 method if the operating system loads too fast to access BIOS.
An alternative to start Win11 BIOS configuration is from the Settings application. Just follow these three steps:
- Open Windows 11 Settings
- Navigate to System > Recovery > Restart now.
- Before you click Restart Now , save your work.
- Next, go to Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Configuration and click Restart. (we will talk about UEFI later in this blog post)
Another alternative is to use the Windows Run command:
- Open up the Run box (by pressing the Windows + R keys).
- Then type shutdown /r /o , and press Enter . A shortcut is to type shutdown /r/o/f /t 00 and click OK .
- Then select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Configuration and click Restart to boot into the system BIOS settings.
By the command line, also:
- Open CMD, PowerShell or Terminal.
- Type in shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 o shutdown /r /o and press Enter.
- Then go to Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Configuration and click Restart to get to the Windows 11 BIOS/UEFI configuration.
A more customized option is by shortcut:
- Right-click on the Windows 11 desktop and select New > Shortcut.
- In window Create Shortcut, enter shutdown /r/o /f /t 00 or shutdown /r /o to locate it.
- Follow the instructions to create a BIOS shortcut.
Once the BIOS configuration shortcut is created, just double-click it and choose Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Configuration and click Restart to boot your PC into the BIOS environment.
What does UEFI stand for?
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) has emerged as the most modern and flexible firmware with new features that go hand in hand with today’s needs for more volume and more speed. UEFI supports larger hard drives and faster boot times.
UEFI advantages:
- Easy to program since it uses the C programming language. With this programming language you may initialize several devices at once and have much faster booting times.
- More security, based on Secure Boot mode.
- Faster, as it can run in 32-bit or 64-bit mode and has more addressable address space than BIOS, resulting in a faster booting process.
- Make remote support. easier. It allows booting over the network, and may also carry different interfaces in the same firmware. A PC that cannot be booted into the operating system can also be accessed remotely for troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Safe booting, as you may check the validity of the operating system to prevent or check if any malware tampered with the booting process.
- More features and ability to add programs. You may also associate drivers (you would no longer have to load them into the operating system), which is a major advantage in agility.
- Modular, since modifications can be made in parts without affecting the rest.
- CPU microcode independence.
- Support for larger storage drives, with up to 128 partitions.
Additionally, UEFI can emulate old BIOSes in case you need to install on old operating systems.
Continued use of the “BIOS” term to refer to UEFI for simplicity
BIOS is still used to initialize and check the hardware components of a computer to ensure proper operation. Also, as we have seen, it allows you to customize PC behavior (which boots first, for example). So BIOS is still helpful in troubleshooting issues that prevent the PC from booting properly.
When should you update your BIOS?
Reasons to perform a BIOS update
Updating the BIOS (or UEFI), as we mentioned before, helps the system work with better performance, in addition to checking and adjusting the installed hardware, which in turn ultimately impacts software operation. It is recommended to update BIOS only if there is a necessary improvement in the new version.
Sometimes, it is necessary to update BIOS so that the motherboard supports the use of a new generation processor or other type of hardware.
Warning about the potential risks of a BIOS update
The recommendation to update BIOS only when it is a necessary part of the possibility that the updating process fails, leaving your computer inoperable (!). Another risk is data loss if something fails during the upgrade (a connection outage, power, incomplete process). It considers that there may be unexpected errors that may result in a direct impact on the operation of your computer. That is why it is recommended to ask for professional support to do so.
How to update your BIOS
Although each manufacturer recommends a process and their own tools for updating BIOS, you may say that the first step is always to back up the most critical data on your computer, in case something goes wrong in the process (hopefully not!). To do so, the following is recommended:
Identification of the motherboard model and BIOS using Windows system information
The BIOS update is based on the model data of the motherboard or computer. To find out, press the Windows key on your PC and type System Information . The service window will open in which all the details of the installed software will be listed. You will see the System Model and BIOS Version and Date, for the BIOS manufacturer’s name, BIOS version, and release date. With this data you will know which version of the BIOS to download (it must be later than the one you installed).
However, the most common method of updating BIOS is through an update wizard program, which takes you by the hand throughout the update process and runs from the operating system. Only indicate where the BIOS update file is located and restart the PC.
Steps to download and install the BIOS update according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Generally, the manufacturer of the motherboard of your PC has not only an update wizard program but also the BIOS update file, such as the wizard program itself, which you may download from the support page of the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard.
Once you obtain the BIOS installation wizard and the latest version of the BIOS, download them to your computer. It is important to mention that it is not recommended to use Beta versions of BIOS updates. It is preferable to keep the latest stable version, even if it is older.
Let the update wizard take you by the hand and use the BIOS update file to indicate that this is the new firmware to be installed. In case the downloaded update file is invalid or more updated to what you already have installed, the wizard software will detect it and will not perform the update.
Once this is done, restart your PC. We recommend that you check the main settings, checking that the date and time are correct, the boot order is correct (i.e. which hard drive is checked first for a Windows installation) and check that everything else is correct.
Now, you may continue working with the new BIOS version.
BIOS Update Considerations
Before making any BIOS updates, it is always recommended to back up the data so that this does not become your nightmare. For BIOS update, please consider these considerations:
- Updating the BIOS generally does not improve performance, so it should be done only if necessary.
- As we have seen, there are several methods for updating the BIOS, increasingly intuitive such as those in which the manufacturer itself offers an update wizard program that takes you by the hand throughout the process. It is important to follow the instructions that the manufacturer of your equipment indicates to prevent it from becoming unusable.
- Always investigate BIOS corruption recovery options and have that information handy. That is: get ready for any contingency. Many times, despite precautionary measures, the upgrade may fail, either due to incompatibility issues or an unfortunate blackout or power outage. Should that happen, and if the PC is still working, do not turn off the computer. Close the flash update tool and restart the update process to see if it works. If you made a BIOS backup dtry selecting this file to recover it.
Also some motherboards have backup BIOSes that help restore the BIOS. Or, the manufacturer sells BIOS chips from its online store, at a good price.
Finally, we would like to repeat once again the recommendation that you rely on an expert to update the BIOS.
Market analyst and writer with +30 years in the IT market for demand generation, ranking and relationships with end customers, as well as corporate communication and industry analysis.
Analista de mercado y escritora con más de 30 años en el mercado TIC en áreas de generación de demanda, posicionamiento y relaciones con usuarios finales, así como comunicación corporativa y análisis de la industria.
Analyste du marché et écrivaine avec plus de 30 ans d’expérience dans le domaine informatique, particulièrement la demande, positionnement et relations avec les utilisateurs finaux, la communication corporative et l’anayse de l’indutrie.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
About PandoraFMS
Pandora FMS is a flexible monitoring system, capable of monitoring devices, infrastructures, applications, services and business processes.
Of course, one of the things that Pandora FMS can control is the hard disks of your computers.
