Catherine Catherine Gallagher, Author at IGEL https://www.igel.com The Secure Endpoint OS for Now & Next Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:45:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Celebrating Sustainable IT on World Environment Day https://www.igel.com/blog/celebrating-sustainable-it-on-world-environment-day/ Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:23:32 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=151081 Discover how IGEL’s innovative technology solutions and partnerships help reduce e-waste Plastic pollution is a pervasive issue that affects every aspect of our environment, including our bodies, as we ingest microplastics. World Environment Day 2025 urges us to come together…

The post Celebrating Sustainable IT on World Environment Day appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Discover how IGEL’s innovative technology solutions and partnerships help reduce e-waste

Plastic pollution is a pervasive issue that affects every aspect of our environment, including our bodies, as we ingest microplastics. World Environment Day 2025 urges us to come together to tackle this critical challenge.

At IGEL, we believe everyone has a role in protecting our planet and reducing plastic pollution and waste. We are on a mission to enable sustainable IT by helping organizations reduce their IT carbon footprint by extending the useful life of their endpoint hardware.

Why sustainable IT is key reducing plastic waste

IT contributes to serious sustainability challenges across almost every industry. According to the UN’s fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), a record 62 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was produced in 2022, up 82% from 2010. Furthermore, the report found that e-waste is on track to rise another 32%, to 82 million tonnes, in 2030.

The production and use of new electronic devices is exacerbating this problem. Just reducing the rate of new device purchases can alleviate a significant amount of sustainability drain, not to mention the clear CAPEX savings. Consider for a moment that 83% of a device’s total carbon footprint is produced during the manufacturing process. If we can slow down the adoption of new devices, it can greatly impact e-waste as well as our total carbon consumption.

Next, let’s examine the impact of end-user computing. Research shows that approximately 2.5% of our global emissions originate from end-user computing, and end-user computing devices consume 3% of the world’s power generation. This represents a significant burden on the Earth that we can influence.

IGEL supports sustainable IT by delivering energy-efficient IT solutions and forming strategic partnerships to reduce carbon emissions. Here are some of the ways we are making a difference:

  • Extending Hardware Lifespan. We enable organizations to extend the life span of existing devices by optimizing with IGEL OS. This minimizes e-waste. Based on a recent study with Px3, extending the lifespan of 5,000 endpoint devices from 4 to 8 years with IGEL helps achieve a reduction in electricity usage by 157,550 kWh/y.
  • IT Asset Disposal. IGEL also supports responsible IT asset disposal to mitigate e-waste and its health impacts. By backing social projects for device reuse and responsible disposal partnerships, including Sun Screen IT, we enhance IT sustainability.
  • Energy Efficiency in IT Operations. By focusing on making responsible choices for energy-efficient devices and optimizing the resources utilized by IT and end users, we can reduce CO2 emissions and conserve energy. Selecting responsibly manufactured devices and enabling them to minimize power consumption through more efficient software, such as IGEL OS, can significantly contribute to this goal by reducing power use by more than 22%. Transitioning from Windows to IGEL OS can decrease device power usage by as much as 49%, further lowering energy consumption.
  • Partnerships for Sustainability. Through our partnership with Plant for the Planet, together with our customers and partners, we have planted 21,502 trees and supported research in reforestation projects in Mexico, Africa and Indonesia.

Embracing Sustainable IT Beyond World Environmental Day

IGEL’s endpoint strategy for now and next enables enterprise IT to deliver secure, cloud-based digital workspaces that provide device flexibility, energy efficiency, and savings. This lowers greenhouse gas emissions and reduces e-waste.

Learn more about our vision to transform the way the world works and how we are creating better outcomes for people, organizations, and our planet.

The post Celebrating Sustainable IT on World Environment Day appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
A New Era for OT Security and Endpoint Management as IT and OT Converge https://www.igel.com/blog/a-new-era-for-ot-security-and-endpoint-management-as-it-and-ot-converge/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:54:20 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=150114 According to a recent study by Dragos, ransomware attacks against industrial organizations are up 87% year over year. In addition to an 87% increase in attacks last year, Dragos saw a 60% jump in ransomware groups targeting OT and ICS,…

The post A New Era for OT Security and Endpoint Management as IT and OT Converge appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
According to a recent study by Dragos, ransomware attacks against industrial organizations are up 87% year over year. In addition to an 87% increase in attacks last year, Dragos saw a 60% jump in ransomware groups targeting OT and ICS, from 50 groups in 2023 to 80 in 2024

As alarming as this statistic is, it is not surprising as the fact remains that many industries run critical systems on outdated, unsupported versions of Windows XP or Windows 7 on legacy devices.

Join the upcoming webinar to learn how to secure legacy systems and achieve modern efficiency to protect OT systems from ransomware and IT outages with IGEL Managed Hypervisor. During the session, IGEL experts will show you how you can achieve:

Prevent exploitation of OS vulnerabilities

Isolate legacy operating systems in a secure, virtualized environment, preventing unauthorized access and exploitation of OS vulnerabilities

Reduce attack surface on the endpoint

Integrate network segmentation, firewalls, and zero trust architectures to reduce attack surfaces and enforce strict access controls, offering advanced protection against ransomware, malware, and data breaches.

Enhance operational resilience

Centrally manage multiple virtual machines with a secure endpoint virtualization platform designed for preventative security with remote troubleshooting, secure updates, and high availability.

IGEL is tackling the challenges of IT/OT convergence head-on with its latest innovation: IGEL Managed Hypervisor,  a virtualization platform designed for preventative security to bridge the gap between legacy operational technology (OT) systems and the security demands of modern hardware, enterprise networks, and the cloud. Announced at the IGEL Now & Next event in Miami in March, the IGEL Managed Hypervisor will be available in IGEL App Portal in May 2025.

Join us on Thursday, May 14, 2025. During this session, you will learn about the advantages of the IGEL Managed Hypervisor and how it positions IGEL as a leader in the emerging convergence of IT and OT security.

Two separate webinars will be held.  For the EMEA webinar, register here, and for North America, register here.

Read the Blog Securing Biomedical Devices in Healthcare with IGEL Managed Hypervisor

The post A New Era for OT Security and Endpoint Management as IT and OT Converge appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Tech and Trees – a powerful symbioses for a sustainable future https://www.igel.com/blog/tech-and-trees-a-powerful-symbioses-for-a-sustainable-future/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:00:23 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=105833 You may ask what tech and one of nature’s best inventions have in common. The tech and business lexicon have taken inspiration from trees for decades with ecosystem, branch, and Tree Data Structure methodologies to name but a few. The…

The post Tech and Trees – a powerful symbioses for a sustainable future appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
You may ask what tech and one of nature’s best inventions have in common. The tech and business lexicon have taken inspiration from trees for decades with ecosystem, branch, and Tree Data Structure methodologies to name but a few. The more you think of this duo, the more mutual benefits are revealed. The power of tech and trees is harnessed by Plant-for-the-Planet on their quest to plant a trillion trees to restore forest ecosystems worldwide to combat the climate crisis.

A Quest to Plant a Trillion Trees

IGEL Technology supports Plant-for-the-Planet through donations to community led reforestation and research projects worldwide.
On behalf of attendees at the IGEL Now & Next EUC and Security event in March 2025, IGEL planted 3,000 trees in top projects to restore mangroves and forests in the Bahamas, Ghana, Kenya, and Thailand, achieving a total of 21,512  trees planted in global reforestation projects since 2023.

Plant-for-the-Planet develop solutions to address the most pressing questions in ecosystem restoration using cutting-edge software tools, providing restoration advice, training academies, and quality control based on scientific research with renowned universities to support with 170+ official reforestation projects worldwide.

Tech plays a pivotal role in the trillion tree mission

High-tech helps the reforestation teams to fund, manage and monitor the millions of trees planted so far and in the future.  The TreeMapper-app is a simple yet powerful tool to register and track the development of the trees planted. The FireAlert-app, using NASA satellite data, enables free alerts when high fire risk areas are detected enabling a faster reaction to fight wildfires. The online Tree Planter is a tool that allows transparent donations worldwide and makes it easier for donors to see in real time how their trees are progressing. All applications are open source and available to restoration organizations as well as advice offered by Plant-for-the-Planet.

As a non-profit organization, Plant-for-the-Planet is solely funded by donations and corporate partnerships. IGEL Technology sponsors Plant-for-the-Planet and supports ongoing projects through promotion at industry events to spread the word and call for donations throughout our network. Since 2023, together with our customers, partners, and colleagues we planted over 21,000 trees in restoration and research projects in Mexico, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Indonesia using the online tree planting platform.

Click here to view the IGEL Tree Planter and learn more about Plant-for-the-Planet and how when tech companies and communities unite to plant, restore and conserve a trillion trees they take action towards a sustainable future.

“One mosquito can do nothing against a rhino, but a thousand mosquitoes can change its direction”
Plant-for-the-Planet founder Felix Finkbeiner once said during a speech at the United Nations in 2011.

The post Tech and Trees – a powerful symbioses for a sustainable future appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Cloud-Powered Endpoint Management for the Modern Enterprise https://www.igel.com/blog/cloud-powered-endpoint-management-for-the-modern-enterprise/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:42 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=149624 Managing endpoints efficiently and securely is a top priority for IT teams, especially with the rise of hybrid work and distributed teams. Traditional endpoint management solutions often require on-premises infrastructure, which can be costly and complex to maintain. Additionally, skilled…

The post Cloud-Powered Endpoint Management for the Modern Enterprise appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Managing endpoints efficiently and securely is a top priority for IT teams, especially with the rise of hybrid work and distributed teams. Traditional endpoint management solutions often require on-premises infrastructure, which can be costly and complex to maintain. Additionally, skilled IT resources are scarce and best assigned to strategic projects to improve user experience, differentiate the solution in the market, and generate business value.  Software as a service (SaaS) reduces IT management overhead, improves security, and enables seamless access from anywhere.  

The Power of IGEL UMS as a Service for IGEL OS Endpoint Management 

IGEL UMS as a Service  extends software as a service (SaaS) benefits specifically to IGEL OS-powered endpoints, providing a centralized, streamlined solution for managing thousands of devices with ease. IGEL Universal Management Suite as a Service is a cloud-hosted endpoint management solution delivers scalability, security, and simplicity. IT admins manage policies, updates, configurations, and performance monitoring from a single console.

 

Strong Security & Compliance 

Security is built into IGEL UMS as a Service (UMSaaS) from the ground up: 

  • Zero Trust Ready: Strong authentication and role-based access controls ensure only authorized users can manage endpoints.  
  • Read-Only OS Security: IGEL OS endpoints are inherently secure, preventing malware installations and unauthorized modifications. 
  • Integration with SIEM Solutions: UMSaaS allows logs to be exported to Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms for compliance monitoring. 
  • Automatic updates: Continuous updates ensure that security patches and new features are always applied without manual intervention.

Faster Deployment & Reduced IT Burden 

With IGEL UMSaaS, IT teams can deploy IGEL OS endpoints in minutes rather than days. There’s no need for manual provisioning, and updates are applied automatically.  

  • Pre-configured Quick Start Templates enable fast deployment of IGEL OS devices with minimal setup time. 
  • Distributed Peer Updates app enables the IT admin to set up one endpoint device as the peer update server so that only this device will access the main server to download the updates. All other devices access the distributed peer update server from within the network and will no longer offload the outside network.
    Auto-scaling capabilities support organizations of any size without performance bottlenecks. 
  • More efficient use of IT resources – teams can focus on strategic initiatives rather than endpoint maintenance. 
  • Consistent user experience – standardized configurations ensure every user gets a seamless, secure experience. 
  • Lower IT support burden – fewer troubleshooting calls and faster resolution times. 

Distributed, Hybrid, and Global Workforces 

IGEL UMSaaS makes managing remote and hybrid workforces effortless by allowing IT administrators to deploy, monitor, and update devices anywhere in the world via a web browser —without requiring VPNs or on-premises infrastructure.  

Modernize Your Enterprise Endpoint Strategy with IGEL UMSaaS 

As enterprises continue to embrace cloud-first strategies, IGEL UMSaaS provides the scalability, security, and ease of use required to manage modern endpoints effectively. By eliminating infrastructure complexity and automating key management tasks, IT teams can focus on delivering exceptional user experiences while maintaining robust security. 

Whether you’re looking to reduce costs, enhance security, or simplify endpoint management, IGEL UMSaaS is the cloud solution that helps future-proof your digital workspace. 

Would you like to explore how IGEL OS can support your digital workspace strategy?  

Contact us today to learn more about how IGEL UMSaaS can streamline your digital workspaces. 

The post Cloud-Powered Endpoint Management for the Modern Enterprise appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
A Defense in Depth Approach to Business Continuity https://www.igel.com/blog/igel-business-continuity/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:00:10 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=149627 Today at IGEL Now & Next, IGEL announced a defense in depth approach to business continuity with the new IGEL Business Continuity solution. Achieving operational resilience demands robust planning and risk management amidst constant siege from cyber threats and unforeseen…

The post A Defense in Depth Approach to Business Continuity appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Today at IGEL Now & Next, IGEL announced a defense in depth approach to business continuity with the new IGEL Business Continuity solution.
Achieving operational resilience demands robust planning and risk management amidst constant siege from cyber threats and unforeseen disruptions. IT leaders planning business continuity and security must ask themselves one critical question: How fast can we recover? Cybersecurity breaches and IT outages are no longer rare occurrences—they are the storm clouds on every CIO’s horizon. In 2024 alone, incidents ranging from ransomware attacks, to software outages, natural disasters or so-called snow days cost enterprises billions and left operational teams scrambling to regain control.
 

Resilience is enabled by a robust business continuity plan (BCP). While most organizations back up data and upgrade infrastructure, one crucial component often goes overlooked—the endpoint. The frontline devices that users depend on daily are the most vulnerable, and when compromised, can disrupt operations at scale. 

IGEL Business Continuity solution is not just about reactive disaster recovery but about proactive resilience. By combining an emergency “911” or “999” solution, organizations can get back up and running quickly and securely, amidst a breach or outage. 

Defense in Depth (DiD) is a cybersecurity strategy that uses multiple layers of security controls to protect data and systems from threats. Instead of relying on a single defense mechanism, DiD ensures that if one layer is compromised, others are still in place to mitigate risks. IGEL Business Continuity offers an indepth approach to endpoint recovery including IGEL Business Continuity Dual Boot, IGEL Business Continuity USB boot and services

What sets IGEL apart is not just speed but strategy.  Deployment is set up in advance with an IGEL Specialist, ensuring that authentication protocols, virtual desktop clients, and collaboration tools like Teams and Zoom are integrated and ready. IT regains control and can manage recovery in minutes and  hours, not days or even weeks.

Moreover, as part of the IGEL Preventative Security Model,  IGEL OS operates as a read-only system with no local data storage, aligning perfectly with zero-trust security principles. No endpoint data, no persistent risk. 

In hybrid work scenarios, IGEL Business Continuity extends beyond office walls. Employees stranded at home by weather or transport issues can securely access corporate resources using personal devices, booting directly into IGEL OS without risking company data leaks. 

Cyber threats and IT outages will continue to rise. But with IGEL Business Continuity in your BCP toolkit, they don’t have to disrupt your operations. Don’t wait for an emergency to test your business continuity plan. Strengthen it now with IGEL Business Continuity.

View the Demo Video 

Learn more, visit igel.com/business-continuity 

The post A Defense in Depth Approach to Business Continuity appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Don’t Miss a Beat with IGEL & Omnissa https://www.igel.com/blog/keeping-healthcare-data-secure-with-igel-omnissa-without-missing-a-beat/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:23:20 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=149041 In healthcare, data security is at the pulse of patient trust and quality care. IT and cybersecurity managers strive to safeguard sensitive protected healthcare information (PHI) without slowing down access by the doctors, nurses, and administrative staff.  IGEL and Omnissa…

The post Don’t Miss a Beat with IGEL & Omnissa appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
In healthcare, data security is at the pulse of patient trust and quality care. IT and cybersecurity managers strive to safeguard sensitive protected healthcare information (PHI) without slowing down access by the doctors, nurses, and administrative staff.  IGEL and Omnissa deliver a seamless, secure solution for the unique needs of healthcare environments.

The Balancing Act: Security vs. Efficiency

Traditional security measures often feel like speed bumps, slowing down workflows and frustrating busy medical staff. The constant threat of evolving and sophisticated ransomware attacks places cybersecurity and resilience top of the CIO and CISOs’ agenda.  IGEL and Omnissa  help reduce the risk of data breaches while offering quick access and streamlined workflows for users.

IGEL + Omnissa: A Dynamic Duo for Healthcare IT

Together IGEL OS and Omnissa Horizon® provide fast onboarding and secure access to patient data and clinical applications on shared virtual desktops, laptops, thin clients in kiosks or workspace on wheels across the hospital or clinic. The IGEL Agent for Imprivata supports roaming clinical desktops, fast user switching, and smooth workflows with electronic healthcare record (EHR) systems. The IT and medical team can easily manage and access essential apps and data through:

  • Lightning-fast access: No more clunky logins. Users enjoy a streamlined experience with Omnissa Horizon’s Blast protocol delivers smooth performance even when network conditions are lagging.
  • IT Zen with centralized control: Say adios to patching headaches, disruptive updates, and security gaps. Centralized endpoint management with IGEL and Omnissa simplifies workflows by keeping apps and data secure and up to date at scale.
  • Compliance is constant: HIPAA? NHS DSPT? GDPR? Data encryption? IGEL’s Preventative Security Model™ and Omnissa’s session management support compliance.
  • Business continuity: in the event of an outage, IGEL OS can clean boot to a backup environment in minutes, even on a compromised device, keeping critical apps online.

A Smarter Way to Secure Healthcare Data

IGEL’s secure enterprise operating system is designed to prevent breaches and outages. At its core, IGEL OS is read-only, enables secure boot, data encryption and ensures no data is stored on the device. At the intersection of hardware, applications, and security, the Preventative Security Model proves trust, isolates, and enables smart login through integration with leading solutions. This supports zero-trust architecture through identity access management and universal endpoint management ensuring only the intended user and device can access sensitive data, reducing the risk of breaches even if credentials slip into the wrong hands.

Secure. Simple. Ready for the Future.

Healthcare IT teams do not have to compromise on security to deliver efficiency with IGEL and Omnissa.  Harness the power of partnership to protect patient data while keeping clinical workflows smooth and consistent. Read IGEL and Omnissa for Healthcare Brief.

Transform your healthcare IT with IGEL and Omnissa, contact us for a demo.

Meet us at ViVE 2025 at booth #637 or HIMSS 2025 at booth #748.

Healthcare IT leaders, innovators and security experts will converge at IGEL Now & Next in Miami in March to show the latest solutions and synergies to optimize endpoint management, enhance security, and improve clinical workflows. Click Register Now to view the agenda and keynote speakers. 

 

The post Don’t Miss a Beat with IGEL & Omnissa appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
The enterprise browser, the rising star in security https://www.igel.com/blog/securing-the-enterprise-from-the-browser-up/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:24:05 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=122782 The browser is the most widely used enterprise application in today’s cloud-first world. It serves as a gateway to an organization’s most critical web-based applications, including enterprise-level virtualization and SaaS tools. The browser also houses sensitive information, such as user…

The post The enterprise browser, the rising star in security appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
The browser is the most widely used enterprise application in today’s cloud-first world. It serves as a gateway to an organization’s most critical web-based applications, including enterprise-level virtualization and SaaS tools. The browser also houses sensitive information, such as user credentials and cookie data, making it a prime target for cyber-attacks.

A recent study found that 70 percent of web applications have significant security vulnerabilities. In its 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, Verizon identified web applications as a primary attack vector in 2023, as they were used in 80% of incidents and 60% of breaches.

The increasing number of threats and the constantly evolving nature of today’s cybersecurity landscape are driving a shift toward browsers purpose-built to support enterprise-grade security.

The rise of the enterprise browser

In a report published in 2023, Gartner predicted that by 2027, enterprise browsers will become central to enterprise super app consolidation strategies, driven by productivity. Gartner analysts also predicted that by 2030, enterprise browsers will be the core platform for delivering workforce productivity and security software on managed and unmanaged devices for a seamless hybrid work experience.[1]

Enterprise browsers have advanced security features and are less resource-intensive than Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Remote Browser Isolation (RBI), or SASE capabilities like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), which have traditionally been used to secure enterprise browsing activities. With built-in encryption, access control, browser isolation for secure browsing modes, and protection against malware and phishing attacks, the enterprise browser enables organizations to safeguard sensitive data and protect against unauthorized access by minimizing the risk of data breaches and ensuring compliance.

IGEL’s endpoint strategy today enables enterprise IT to deliver secure, cloud-based digital workspaces. When paired with an enterprise browser, IGEL’s Preventative Security Model™ is a robust solution that provides resilient endpoint management and control of the application layer.

To learn more about the features and benefits of the enterprise browser in securing today’s hybrid work environments, visit https://www.igel.com/enterprise-browser/
 
 
 
[1] Source: Gartner, Emerging Tech: Security — The Future of Enterprise Browsers, Dan Ayoub, Evgeny Mirolyubov, Max Taggett, Dave Messett, 14 April 2023. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

The post The enterprise browser, the rising star in security appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Take action with Forest Restoration and make an impact on Generation Restoration https://www.igel.com/blog/take-action-with-forest-restoration-and-make-an-impact-on-generation-restoration/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:22:52 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=114027 “We cannot turn back time, but we can grow forests, revive water sources, and bring back soils. We are the generation that can make peace with land” – UN Environment Programme This June 5th the spotlight is on “Our land.…

The post Take action with Forest Restoration and make an impact on Generation Restoration appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
“We cannot turn back time, but we can grow forests, revive water sources, and bring back soils. We are the generation that can make peace with land”
– UN Environment Programme

This June 5th the spotlight is on “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration” for World Environment Day to drive awareness of solutions to restore land, halt desertification and build drought resilience. World Environment Day 2024, led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), has grown to be one of the largest global platforms for environmental outreach. Every year it mobilizes hundreds of millions of people to protect the planet by building momentum for climate action by rallying support for vital ecosystems restoration work among individuals, companies and foundations.

One such foundation is Plant-for-the-Planet, a global leader in ecosystem restoration. Read this interview with Sagar Aryal , Chief Technology Officer and Board Member at Plant-for-the-Planet to learn how this foundation restores forests and ecosystems with local communities, company sponsorships and technology.

 

Q1. How does Plant-for-the-Planet support the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration?

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a joint effort of global organizations to restore the world’s ecosystems to get humanity on track for a more sustainable future. As a global movement, Plant-for-the-Planet is an official partner of the UN decade and plays a central part in educating and empowering the next generation on climate justice and ecosystem restoration, among other work. Plant-for-the-Planet is part of #GenerationRestoration.

Q2. Can you summarize how trees can reduce CO2 emissions.

CO2 is also called carbon dioxide. It is a gas that is part of our atmosphere. It is produced by burning fossil fuels and is one of the greenhouse gases that causes climate change.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In the process called photosynthesis they split the carbon from the oxygen atoms and use it to build their biomass – like wood and leaves. So, trees don’t reduce CO2 emissions – only humans can do that -, but they help us to get rid of some of the emissions. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough trees on Earth anymore to offset all our CO2 emissions and the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is constantly rising. That’s why we need to radically reduce emissions and urgently need more forests!

Q3. How do you select global Plant-for-the-Planet restoration projects? (Yucatàn, Ghana, Andalucia)

Each of our three projects follows a different agenda, which is closely related to the geographic area, where they are located and the needs of the community.

In Yucatàn, we are working to restore the forest landscapes in and around the San Felipe Bacalar Natural Protected Area, as well as the Balam-Kú nature reserve and Calakmul Biosphere Reserves. Our sites have suffered different levels of degradation: Some areas are recently abandoned cattle pastures with only a few scattered trees left. Other areas were never fully deforested, but either economically valuable trees have been logged or significant proportions of the forest were destroyed by fires, leaving behind relatively species-poor vegetation. In other areas, the forest is still full of many species, and we are either conserving it or letting it grow back on its own.

We decided to work in Mexico as it is part of the mega-biodiverse areas in the world. Also, the trees we plant here grow a lot faster than trees in Europe do. This way they absorb more carbon dioxide in a shorter period and help us battle the climate crisis.

Plant-for-Ghana is a hybrid restoration project. We believe sustainable restoration is the best way to bring back the lost forest in the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana, thereby contributing to Plant-for-the-Planet’s goal to plant one trillion trees worldwide.

This hybrid project combines two approaches: the planting of native species and the planting of agroforestry species in mixed stands. By planting high diversity tree mixes in deforested areas, we not only ensure that restored forests are resilient to the ongoing threats of the climate crisis, but also establish a multi-functional forest with more productive forest stands. Growing both native tree species that will not be harvested and agroforestry species ensures that local communities can also benefit from our work.

In Andalusia, Plant-for-the-Planet Spain has set the goal to recover the lost forests around Granada and Doñana. In Doñana, approximately 9,000 ha of forest in the Doñana National Park were lost in the 2017 Las Peñuelas wildfire. The project is a collaboration with the Directorate General for the Natural Environment, Biodiversity and Protected Spaces of the Andalusian Regional Government.

In Granada, we are restoring and expanding the Green Belt that is helping to mitigate pollution.

Both projects have a direct impact on the local communities and will contribute to a more sustainable future for younger generations. The aim is to plant a total of 1 million trees by 2030.

Q4. How do partnerships with companies such as IGEL Technology support your mission?

Plant-for-the-Planet collaborates with companies like IGEL that are genuinely committed to ecosystem restoration and combating the climate crisis. Our empowerment programs, platform, and IT solutions are provided free of charge, funded by our partners and donors. Additionally, partners such as IGEL directly contribute to positive impacts by funding tree plantings in projects like those in Mexico and Ghana. With effective climate communication, we can collectively reach a wider audience and raise awareness for this urgent matter.

Q5. How does Plant-for-the-Planet manage global restoration projects?

At Plant-for-the-Planet we developed free software tools like FireAlert and TreeMapper to help plan, monitor, and improve restoration efforts, making projects more effective. These tools allow us to monitor restoration areas and fire risks in real-time.

Additionally, we developed standards for forest restoration, natural regeneration, mangroves, and conservation projects to guide our efforts. We follow a two-step verification process: off-site by reviewing the project’s restoration plan, and on-site by conducting visits to ensure compliance with our standards. Only projects that fulfill our standards can collect donations via our platform. Projects that do not meet all standards or need help in other ways can make use of our free restoration advice.

Q6. Where does Plant-for-the-Planet stand in their mission to restore up to 1 trillion trees?

The world currently has 3 trillion trees and the potential to restore one trillion lost trees. It is essential that we protect our existing forests and bring those lost forests back.

However, we are currently still losing about 10 billion trees every year. That is roughly equivalent to the total number of trees in Germany. While the deforestation rate has gone down substantially since its peak in the 1980s, we are still moving further away from our goal every year.

Plant-for-the-Planet is working hard with our collaborators to reverse that trend. Our tools like tracer.eco and our forest rangers help to protect existing forests while we regrow destroyed forests. Through the Plant-for-the-Planet platform 86 million trees have already been donated.

Q7. What can a person do to support restoration projects?

Many restoration projects are nonprofits organized by civil society. If you find one in your neighborhood, you can probably offer a helping hand. If you can’t find a project where you can get active, you can go to our platform and select from more than 250 projects worldwide that need financial support to reach their restoration goals. You can donate on the platform. It is a very simple process. But you can also create a membership page, set yourself a planting goal and invite your friends to join you. This way you will help us to raise awareness and multiply your contribution.

 

On World Environment Day 2024, join Generation Restoration, take action to grow forests, revive water sources, and bring back soil by supporting restoration projects with Plant-for-the-Planet.

You can plant trees with IGEL and Plant-for-the-Planet and plant 24,000-trees in 2024

The post Take action with Forest Restoration and make an impact on Generation Restoration appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Connect, Secure, and Go! https://www.igel.com/blog/connect-secure-and-go/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:16:08 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=77257 The latest collaboration with IGEL and HP offers freedom and peace of mind while working almost anywhere in today’s hybrid work world. The stylish HP Elite mt645 G7 Mobile Thin Client certified with IGEL OS, offers WWAN (Wireless Wide Area…

The post Connect, Secure, and Go! appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
The latest collaboration with IGEL and HP offers freedom and peace of mind while working almost anywhere in today’s hybrid work world.

The stylish HP Elite mt645 G7 Mobile Thin Client certified with IGEL OS, offers WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) connectivity to available 4G LTE cellular networks for constant internet access while on the move. *  Together we offer secure and easy to manage access to digital workspaces including VDI, DaaS, and SaaS.

Stable and constant connectivity offers you the freedom of a smartphone with the comfort of a 14-inch diagonal display to access and view emails, apps, and company resources while working on the train, in a café, a hotel, or almost anywhere in between. Gone are the days of relying on patchy Wi-Fi signals or elusive hotspots. Enjoy the freedom of modern connectivity and be empowered to do your best work from your favorite place.

Don’t worry, we have your back!

Multi-layered security capabilities in IGEL OS help prevent attacks. As no data is stored on the device, if it is lost or stolen, confidential user credentials and company details are protected in the secure data center or secure cloud. A read-only operating system, multi-factor authentication, file transport encryption, certificate-based management, and IGEL chain of trust verified boot helps ensure end-to-end system integrity and shrink the attack surface on the device. These are just some of the many capabilities IGEL offers to prevent a system breach from opportunist hackers. With WWAN connectivity the possibility to activate geo-location services can support IT and authorities to pinpoint the whereabouts of your device.

HP Inc. is a valued IGEL Ready partner since 2021. Our collaboration offers our customers greater choice of HP devices certified with IGEL OS. The HP Elite mt645 G7 Mobile Thin Client with AMD Ryzen™ 3 5425U with 4G LTE module is certified with IGEL OS 11.08.330 and is currently only offered via HP Customer Integration Services. Please contact your HP Sales Representative for details.

Learn more about HP and IGEL’s partnership here:  https://www.igel.com/hp/

* Category 16 4G LTE module is optional and must be configured at the factory. Module designed for up to 1 Gbps download speeds as carriers deploy 5 carrier aggregation and 100Mhz channel bandwidth, requires activation and separately purchased service contract. Backwards compatible to HSPA 3G technologies. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in your area. Connection, upload and download speeds will vary due to network, location, environment, network conditions, and other factors. 4G LTE not available on all products, in all regions.

The post Connect, Secure, and Go! appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
Enhance Endpoint Security with Citrix Endpoint Analysis (EPA) for IGEL OS https://www.igel.com/blog/enhance-endpoint-security-with-citrix-endpoint-analysis-epa-for-igel-os/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 23:11:20 +0000 https://www.igel.com/?p=76248 IGEL and Citrix have enjoyed a strong technical and marketing alliance within end-user computing for decades. The latest evidence of this is IGEL integrating the Citrix Gateway plugin into the IGEL OS for direct access to Citrix Endpoint Analysis. This…

The post Enhance Endpoint Security with Citrix Endpoint Analysis (EPA) for IGEL OS appeared first on IGEL.

]]>
IGEL and Citrix have enjoyed a strong technical and marketing alliance within end-user computing for decades. The latest evidence of this is IGEL integrating the Citrix Gateway plugin into the IGEL OS for direct access to Citrix Endpoint Analysis.

This integration in IGEL OS is unique and supports our joint customers with easy, direct access so they can run device checks centrally from the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS) management console without requiring any further plugin permission or installation.

Granular Control Enables Direct Access to Analyze, Check Device Posture

The integration of Citrix Gateway into IGEL OS grants the IT administrator access to Citrix Endpoint Analysis to run a health check on the posture of a targeted device from the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS).

Endpoint Analysis (EPA) is a process that scans a user’s device and detects information, such as the presence and version level of operating system updates, antivirus software, firewall, and web browser software. Endpoint Analysis allows the IT admin to determine if a user’s device meets the organization’s requirements before it connects to their network. IT can check files, processes, and registry entries on the user device during the user session to ensure the device continues to meet the requirements.

With this integration, IGEL UMS administrators accessing Citrix resources can perform EPA checks for file, process, device, and mount point before authentication. Citrix and IGEL are committed to supporting our joint customers, which includes close collaboration with product teams to plan, integrate, test, and validate customer requests above and beyond the required functionality and criteria to achieve Citrix Ready approvals.

Citrix Endpoint Analysis is integrated in IGEL OS 11.08.290 along with Citrix Workspace app 2302 effective March 23, 2023.

As a longstanding Citrix Ready partner, IGEL stays in lockstep with the latest versions of Citrix Workspace, Citrix Cloud services, and the Citrix Workspace app and is validated as Citrix Ready Endpoint Premium and Citrix Ready for Citrix DaaS.

Learn more about Citrix Endpoint Analysis in the Citrix product documentation and get more information about  Citrix Endpoint Analysis for IGEL OS on the Citrix Ready web site.

The post Enhance Endpoint Security with Citrix Endpoint Analysis (EPA) for IGEL OS appeared first on IGEL.

]]>