Running Local: The Surprising Security and Remote Connectivity Sweetspot

The industry is brimming with remote connectivity solutions, but what if the solution was right here, under our noses the entire time? By running locally, organizations can ensure they get the productivity, security and compliance advantages, without the loss of productivity and latency issues that come with VDIs. In this blog post, we explain how.

What is Running Local?

“Running Local” refers to accessing and running applications, SaaS apps, cloud platforms, files and data directly from a local machine/computer instead of through a remote server. This method contrasts with remotely delivered applications, where applications are hosted on remote servers and accessed over a network. For example, in the case of VDI or DaaS. 

Accessing and running applications locally offers better performance due to the direct use of local hardware. Running locally leverages the power and flexibility of the device, the browser and device applications. There is also reduced latency compared to accessing applications over a network and updates and maintenance are simplified for IT. In addition, local running mitigates security risks associated with data transmission over networks.

The 4 Pillars of Running Local

Running local is not just a technological method, it’s a modern state-of-mind. The four pillars of running local are:

1. Delivering an enhanced user experience. This means the technology should ‘just work’.
2. Ensuring security, i.e preventing cyber threats like ransomware, social engineering and BYOD vulnerabilities’ exploitation.
3. Providing seamless work-life toggling. This means keeping professional and personal activities separate and distinct, but without compromising the tech experience. 
4. Being future-centric. This means taking into consideration current and future business goals.

The Advantages of Running Local Compared to VDI and DaaS

VDI is a technology that hosts desktop environments on a centralized server and deploys them to end-users on request. This allows users to access their virtual desktops from any device with an internet connection. Compared to VDI and DaaS, running local provides the following advantages:

• Seamless and Responsive User Experience – Local execution of applications ensures a smooth and responsive experience. Users can immediately connect to the applications, resources and data they need, without the friction of connecting to a remote desktop or enduring latency and jitter. Mac users can even maintain the Mac experience,
• Performance and Reliability – Running applications locally eliminates dependency on network stability and performance. Users can rely on the consistent performance of their local hardware without the variability introduced by network conditions or the data traveling over long distances or multiple network hops. This means they are free from the lag and freezes and can focus on their work.
• Enhanced Security – With data processed and stored locally, there is less risk of data breaches and interceptions during transmission over networks. In addition, IT has direct control over their local security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software, allowing for tailored protection.
• Reduced IT Overhead – Managing local machines is simpler and less resource-intensive compared to maintaining a complex VDI infrastructure. Local applications can be updated and maintained without coordinating with central servers or IT administrators. In addition, IT does not need to set up and maintain a cumbersome backend infrastructure.
• Cost Savings – Running applications locally reduces the need for expensive server hardware and infrastructure required for VDI. It also ensures savings on ongoing operational costs such as server maintenance, network bandwidth, and VDI licensing fees. Calculate the difference here.

Spotlight: Running Locally for a BPO

Let’s look at a BPO example to compare what it looks like with a VDI vs running locally. Imagine a call center with 500 agents using VDI to connect to their CRM system and other support tools.

With VDI:

• Agents may experience lag or freezes, especially during high traffic times, affecting their ability to respond quickly to customer queries.
• Operations can be disrupted if there are network outages or connectivity issues, leading to potential downtime.
• Data transmitted over the network can be susceptible to breaches, requiring robust encryption and security measures.

These all impact the BPO’s ability to provide the basic services it is expected to deliver.

The same call center decides to use a SaaS CRM system and allow agents to connect to video conferencing locally.

Running Locally:

• With applications running locally, agents experience no lag or connectivity issues, leading to a more efficient and responsive customer service experience.
• The call center’s operations are not affected by network outages or remote server downtimes, ensuring consistent availability of critical tools.
• Data remains within the local environment, reducing the risk of breaches and interceptions during transmission.

This means more productive employees and more satisfied clients, resulting in higher profitability.

Spotlight 2: Running Locally for a Healthcare Organization

But what about industries that are subject to compliance regulations? Let’s say a hospital uses VDI for its EHR system, allowing doctors and nurses to access patient records from any device within the hospital network.

With VDI:

• Access to patient records could be compromised if there are network issues, potentially delaying critical care.
• Medical staff may experience delays or connectivity issues, especially during high demand periods.
• Maintaining a secure and high-performance VDI infrastructure can be expensive.

This can impact the quality of care patients receive, including diagnosis, drug prescriptions and even life-saving actions. 

The same hospital runs its EHR system locally on workstations located in various departments.

Running Locally:

• Doctors and nurses experience fast, uninterrupted access to patient records, improving the efficiency of care.
• The clinic’s operations are not dependent on network connectivity, ensuring continuous access to patient data.
• Lower ongoing costs as there is no need for extensive VDI infrastructure.
• The hospital ensures compliance by choosing a system that meets HIPAA requirements.

This results in better healthcare services for patients, as well as saving taxpayers’ dollars due to saved mone on costly VDI infrastructure and services.

Introducing the Secure Enclave

The Secure Enclave is a specialized, cost-effective security solution by Venn that allows accessing applications locally from the users’ PCs or Macs. This technology allows BYOD workforces to have a secure, company-controlled environment, isolating work-related activities from personal use on the same device. 

Unlike traditional VDI, which suffer from latency and performance issues, Venn’s Secure Enclave ensures optimal performance and a seamless user experience while maintaining security. This includes seamless connectivity and no monitoring of personal user activities.

Venn secures all data within the enclave by encrypting it and applying strict policies, which can restrict actions like copy/paste, screen sharing, printing, and data uploads. This ensures sensitive information does not leak outside the secure environment. Work is kept within a secure, virtual wrapper known as the Blue Border.

In addition to the user experience, Venn also provides IT with a simplified solution. They have the ability to remotely manage the Secure Enclave. This includes enabling, suspending, terminating, or wiping the enclave from a user’s device with the push of a button, making it ideal for organizations with high employee turnover, like BPOs, or organizations that take data privacy seriously, like healthcare.

The Secure Enclave is built to comply with rigorous industry standards such as SOC 2, HIPAA, SEC, FINRA, and more, ensuring that organizations meet their regulatory requirements without the need for costly and complex hardware solutions.

To see a demo on how your organization can run locally with Venn, click here.