Server-based computing is helping organizations of every stripe achieve greater efficiency, security, and mobility within their critical operations. It’s little wonder, then, that tools leveraging server-based computing are gaining popularity in the law enforcement sector.
“Generally speaking, it’s the future of computing,” says Francois Marinier, Chief Information Security Officer with FSET Information Technology & Services, one of the developers of the #MobilityFirst initiative. “In some respects, server-based computing is a throw-back to when we used mainframe computers and dumb terminals, but now the technology is far more advanced and cost-effective.”
Server-based computing is the process of running applications on a server and providing the output to a (thin) client or endpoint. The endpoint device can come in different forms, making it all very agile and adaptable. Anything from the mobile device that each of us carries daily to an old re-purposed x86 system or even a low-cost ARM-based Raspberry Pi.
“We’re helping agencies leave the desktops behind, but not their desktop applications,” explains David Brown, FSET CEO, adding. “Through this method, users can access sensitive information and advanced applications on their device while offloading the processing and security considerations to a centralized and highly protected system.
“When you open this virtual desktop, you’re not actually running those applications and those instructions on your local device. Instead, you’re essentially sending your keystrokes and requests to an offsite server which returns the information to your screen,” Brown elaborated. “For example, if you’re accessing Microsoft Outlook and downloading a 10-megabyte file, both that program and that download process are being managed outside of your device, eliminating the risks that come with downloading and storing data on a physical device.”
The mobile officer
Server-based computing has found its way into many sectors. That includes law enforcement, where FSET’s #MobilityFirst initiative has leveraged the technology to give officers significant advantages in the field.
For #MobilityFirst, Windows desktop applications are delivered through Citrix Workspace, a native Android application that officers log into via their Samsung Galaxy device. Other native applications include solutions for Digital Evidence Management, Records Management System, scheduling and workforce management, secure communication and collaboration tools, employee resources, and case law reference. Officers can connect their Samsung Galaxy to a Samsung DeX station in their patrol car and at their station, giving them the convenience and effectiveness of a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
“When you issue phone with this technology on it to an officer, they now truly have a mobile data terminal in the form of a handheld device,” adds Brown.
Security first
Enhanced mobility is undoubtedly an advantage, but so too is the data security that server-based computing provides. Since the applications are being centrally managed and executed out of the data center, the risks of stealing or corrupting data from on and from the client because of malicious software such as ransomware are exponentially mitigated. In addition, the Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) process are accelerated minimizing the amount of downtime.
“Traditionally, you’d have all that data and those applications run off the physical device, but the exposure is too great,” says Marinier. “In the server-based computing model, however, you don’t store or process data locally. And when you’re done using the device, you can lock up access and hand it over to someone else without concern.”
As we know advanced password systems, biometric passwords and 2-factor authentication can mitigate the chance of other users accessing information from your personal device. Yet what about the security of the server itself? According to Brown, FSET’s priority from the beginning has been to use his personal experience within law enforcement to design a solution that meets and exceed the industry’s digital security protocols: “I’ve had the benefit of being in law enforcement for a number of years, so we’re well aware of the base-level standards Canadian law enforcement agencies need to meet in terms of cybersecurity. Not only have we worked with our partners to meet those expectations, but we’ve also gone above and beyond them to the point where we’re helping to raise that bar.”
Making the investment
Security, efficiency, and mobility notwithstanding, there are cost advantages to server-based computing. By delegating the heavy processing work to an offsite server, endpoint devices only require the ability to connect through the Citrix Workspace application. That takes the onus off agencies to continually upgrade their field devices and cybersecurity controls – particularly as applications and cyber-security threats evolve.
These benefits can be attractive to agencies, but in the end, the success of a new technology relies on user engagement. Herein, FSET’s #MobilityFirst has been designed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to make it an easy sell for officers.
“It’s important to make sure that technologies like these are streamlined and easy to adopt,” says Brown. “That means making it easy to sign in to the Citrix Workspace, access what they need quickly, and have a consistent experience whether they’re on a smartphone, desktop, laptop, or wherever they are.”
Adds Marinier: “When we looked at server-based computing and our #MobilityFirst initiative, the thing that’s been first and foremost on our minds is making sure that what we’re bringing to the officers is a solution that is streamlined and make their jobs easier, rather than more cumbersome.”
See #MobilityFirst in action at FSET’s Youtube page or book a demo contact us today!
