For many years, virtual desktop and hosting software have been used to keep company data secure. These systems deliver on security, but they come with limitations: slower performance, software compatibility issues, and frustrated users trying to work around restrictions.

With Blue Border, that tradeoff is no longer necessary. Administrators can maintain the same high level of data security while giving users a modern work experience, allowing them to use the latest apps and work from company-provided and personal computers.

Learn how to transition from legacy older versions of Workplace to Venn's Blue Border as an end user.

The Blue Border Experience

Work apps open in the Blue Border

• Work apps are launched from the Workplace desktop app, and they appear with a distinct Blue Border clearly indicating that they’re secured for work.
• You can enforce requirements that core work apps can only be opened in Blue Border using Microsoft Conditional Access Policies.

Fast, smooth performance on PC and Mac

• Work apps run directly on the employee’s computer instead of through a remote server, so they open quickly, respond smoothly, and avoid the lag that often comes with hosted apps.
• All internet use while in Blue Border is automatically secured, encrypted, and logged for compliance.

Seamless use of modern tools

• Video calls, chat, and phone apps like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Softphone work smoothly in Blue Border.
• Blue Border integrates directly with Microsoft OneDrive for easy file storage, powerful search, and simple sharing.

Security is built-in and automatic

• You can apply Data Loss Prevention Policies to restrict actions like copy/paste, printing, screenshots, or where files can be saved.
• You can apply web browsing policies to block unsafe or restricted sites.
• These safeguards can be tailored by company, team, or individual user.

Key Differences for Your Team

Overall, the Blue Border experience is more flexible, intuitive, and consistent than the legacy hosted Workplace experience. However, individuals who are used to the hosted experience will need to acclimatize to several key differences in their day-to-day work experience. These differences because apps run directly on the employee’s computer instead of a remote server.

• Apps need to be downloaded: Individuals will need to download and install applications on their computer before using them in Blue Border.
• App settings will reflect computer defaults: Applications run just as they would on the computer normally if they were launched from the Start menu on Windows or Dock on Mac. Some settings may look different than what people are used to from their hosted experience, but individuals can adjust and personalize them as needed.
• All work apps launch from Venn’s Workplace App: Individuals no longer need to run apps like Teams or Zoom outside of the secure environment—everything for work is launched from Venn’s Workplace app.
• Performance depends on the computer: In Blue Border, apps run directly on the user’s computer, not on a remote server, so app performance depends on the quality of the device. 
  • Newer or more powerful devices: Individuals with high-performance computers will notice apps open quickly and feel smooth and responsive. They typically find that the Blue Border experience feels faster than the hosted experience, which can feel laggy.
  • Older or less powerful devices: Individuals with less powerful computers will find apps run the same way they do when launched from the Windows Start menu or Mac Dock. Performance could feel slower than the hosted experience, especially if they have many apps or browser tabs open at the same time. If team members experience slower performance outside of the hosted experience, Venn’s engineers can work with them to review options to optimize their devices.

Rolling Out Blue Border to Your Organization

Step 1: Work with Venn’s Professional Services Team to configure your Blue Border environment.

1. Define a full list of apps and websites users should have access to for work.
2. Determine which Data Loss Prevention and Web Policies to put in place.
3. Prepare to apply Microsoft Conditional Access policies and set up MFA.
4. (Optional) Set up an integration with Microsoft OneDrive for file storage.

Step 2: Identify team members who can test working in Venn’s Blue Border.

1. Choose team members from different functions and/or locations.
2. Set them up to be onboarded by Venn’s Professional Services Team.
3. Ensure that they test commonly-used apps and important workflows.

Step 3: Support your team through rollout.

1. Provide clear deadlines and expectations.
2. Ensure that your team understands the key differences outlined above.