Virtual browsing is a service that uses a regular browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari) on a virtual computer (virtual machine) in the cloud.
The browser runs in the cloud (NOT on your device). Your device (keyboard and mouse) act like a remote control to the virtual computer/browser in the cloud, and ONLY what the virtual computer “sees” is transmitted back to your device’s screen, not the code.
Only the virtual computer and browser in the cloud interact with the website, NOT the user’s devices. All links are opened in the cloud, with the virtual machine, keeping your device safe from any viruses.
Basically, users are renting a computer in the cloud to surf the Web with the same browser, with the same privacy issues, that you are using now.
A virtual browser is usually a specially designed, proprietary browser that runs on a virtual machine in the cloud.
As an analogy:
Imagine putting on a virtual reality headset and experiencing SeaWorld. You’re in the front row of the Shamu show. The big killer whale lands right next to the glass and water flies at you. It’s so real you turn away.
The cameraman that took the footage probably got wet that day, but you don’t get wet. Instead, you get the awesome experience of being there without the physical effects of getting drenched. Wow! THAT is virtual browsing!
When users surf the Web with a virtual browser, they get to see what the computer and browser in the cloud are seeing, without any “water” ever touching their device.
Virtual browsers may also called cloud browsers, remote browsers or isolated browsers. Again, be careful, these terms may not be the same, or have the same feature definitions when used by different solution providers.
Due to the cost and complexity, virtual browsing services have only been available to commercial and federal enterprises.
But this technology is so effective that major financial institutions are expanding this technology now, and the Department of Defense just issued their cloud browser strategy.
Is there a virtual browser solution available now at a reasonable cost? Yes! Read on.
