IGEL, Omnissa & Island: The Ultimate End-User Computing Trifecta
In this blog
Opening
In earlier blogs, I've talked about configuring Omnissa Horizon as a VDI integration inside Island Enterprise Browser, Integrating Omnissa Access as an IdP in Island Enterprise Browser, how VDI and Enterprise Browsers differ and even circumventing the Great Firewall using Omnissa Horizon and the Island Enterprise Browser. I followed that up by showing how published apps could live right on the Island home screen for a one-click launch experience. If you're just joining this series, here's links:
Configuring Omnissa Horizon as a VDI integration inside Island Enterprise Browser
Configuring Omnissa Access as an IdP in Island Enterprise Browser
End-User Computing Nerd vs. The Great Firewall of China
Putting Published Apps Directly on the Island Home Screen
I ask you: "Are you not entertained?" No!?!
Okay, fine…let's turn the dial up a notch then to 11: what happens when you bring IGEL OS and its management layer into this mix?
Spoiler: You get a unified, secure, and insanely simple workspace for end-users — one that IT can manage at scale without losing sleep.
Meet the OEMs
IGEL OS + UMS
IGEL replaces the complexity of a full Windows desktop with a lightweight, secure Linux-based operating system. This slashes the attack surface, eliminates unnecessary local software, and gives users a device that simply works. Paired with IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS), IT gains centralized control to patch, update, and configure thousands of endpoints from a single console.
- Value to IT: Easy device lifecycle management, consistent configurations, lower endpoint costs.
- Value to Users: Fast boot, simple login, no "Windows rot" over time.
Omnissa Horizon & Workspace ONE
Omnissa Horizon provides enterprise-grade VDI and published applications with robust protocols like Blast Extreme. It excels at delivering a high-performance virtual desktop or app session regardless of device or location. When combined with Workspace ONE, it extends into full unified endpoint management (UEM), ensuring devices, apps, and policies are all governed consistently.
- Value to IT: Centralized delivery of Windows desktops and apps, deep security policies, seamless hybrid cloud options.
- Value to Users: A consistent, high-performance workspace experience on any device.
Island Enterprise Browser
Island transforms the web browser into the enterprise's new workspace. Instead of being a consumer-first browser, it's designed from the ground up for corporate use: secure, policy-driven, and capable of integrating SaaS, web apps, and even VDI-delivered apps into a single interface. Users see familiar app icons, admins enforce zero-trust policies, and security teams gain visibility.
- Value to IT: Policy enforcement at the edge, reduced risk from unmanaged browsers, and integration with identity providers.
- Value to Users: One place for everything — SaaS apps, web apps, and Horizon-published apps — just a click away.
Real-world use cases
Hospital Nurses on Shared Devices
A nurse clocks in at the start of a shift. Instead of logging into a shared Windows desktop with multiple lingering profiles, they boot into an IGEL-powered thin client. Within seconds, the Island Browser home screen appears with icons for the hospital's EHR (Epic), scheduling tools, and secure messaging app. Behind the scenes, Omnissa Horizon delivers the EHR as a published app. The nurse doesn't care what's running where — it's just there, instantly. Oh and did I forget to mention, Island supports EPIC now so that's a thing also I suppose.
- Outcome: Faster access to critical apps, tighter security on shared devices, no wasted clicks.
Contractors in Financial Services
A financial firm needs to give short-term contractors access to trading dashboards and compliance apps. Instead of issuing full Windows laptops (with security risk and overhead), they ship lightweight devices running IGEL OS. Contractors authenticate via Island Browser, where apps are published via Horizon and wrapped in enterprise security policies. Contractors can't exfiltrate data, and IT doesn't have to manage complex endpoints.
- Outcome: Controlled, secure, time-limited access without device sprawl.
Branch Offices in Retail
A retail chain rolls out new POS and inventory systems to hundreds of branch locations. With UMS, IT configures IGEL endpoints remotely. Each branch associate launches Island Browser to access Horizon-published POS apps alongside SaaS HR and scheduling tools. Updates roll out centrally, and the experience feels like a simple, unified desktop.
- Outcome: Consistent, reliable user experience at scale with minimal IT overhead.
Old Way vs. Trifecta Way
Think of the "old way" as waiting on hold with your cable company — lots of steps, repetitive questions, and a whole lot of wasted time. The trifecta way? It's like streaming Netflix: instant, on-demand, and no commercials.
| Aspect | Old Way | Trifecta Way (IGEL + Omnissa + Island) |
|---|---|---|
| Endpoints | Bloated Windows devices — like carrying around a suitcase full of DVDs. | IGEL OS thin endpoints — lightweight, secure, like having all of Netflix in your pocket. |
| Access | Multiple logins: Windows → VDI → App list. Like needing three remotes just to turn on the TV. | Single login: Boot IGEL → Island homepage → Click an app. One remote, one click, done. |
| User Experience | Clunky workflows. Apps buried in portals like Easter eggs no one wants to hunt. | Clean, familiar icons in Island Browser. It's the iPhone home screen of enterprise apps. |
| Management | Device-by-device patching. Think whack-a-mole at the arcade, but less fun. | Centralized lifecycle management via IGEL UMS, Horizon policies, and Island console. |
| Security | Larger attack surface, inconsistent browser controls. Like leaving your house key under the doormat. | Secure-by-design: hardened OS, enterprise browser, VDI-delivered apps. No easy way in. |
| Scalability | Hard to manage across many sites — like trying to order pizza for 500 people with one phone. | Built for scale: cloud-ready, centrally configured, perfect for any branch or BYOD scenario. |
The bottom line? The "old way" feels like a 90s dial-up modem. The trifecta way? Fiber-optic, binge-ready, and friction-free.
The EUC Trifecta Pyramid
In case you don't get it yet, here's a visualization of how these technologies fit together, picture a three-layer block diagram:
At the base is IGEL OS + UMS, the secure, lightweight endpoint platform.
In the middle is Omnissa Horizon + Workspace ONE, delivering VDI sessions and unified endpoint management and DEX metrics.
At the top is Island Browser, giving end-users a familiar, policy-driven workspace where apps live side by side.
From many clicks to one
Traditionally, a user journey looked like this:
- Boot endpoint
- Log into Windows
- Open VDI client
- Authenticate
- Browse app list
- Launch app
With IGEL + Island + Horizon, the journey collapses to this:
- Boot IGEL endpoint (instant-on, managed centrally)
- Island Browser launches with Horizon apps already published as icons
- User clicks app → Horizon delivers it instantly
No wandering through portals. No wasted clicks. Just appliance-like simplicity.
Management made easy
Final thoughts
End-user computing has long been about trade-offs: secure but clunky, simple but hard to manage, flexible but fragmented.
By merging IGEL OS + Omnissa Workspace ONE/Horizon + Island Enterprise Browser, those trade-offs disappear. You get a secure, modern workspace that's easy for IT to manage and frictionless for users to adopt.
The technology stack is stronger together. The user experience is simpler than ever. And for once, IT and end-users both get what they want.
Three technologies. One workspace. Zero friction.