With only 11.89% of global desktop users identifying Microsoft Edge as their main browser, it appears there may not be much to shout about for Microsoft in the battle for browser dominance. But changes are happening, especially for businesses who may be starting to take Microsoft Edge more seriously as their new standard browser.
Alongside Microsoft’s Generative AI, Copilot, Microsoft Edge for Business is aiming to become the best browser for business.
Here’s what you need to know and how businesses and their internal teams’ stand to benefit.
For Users
Microsoft Edge for Business has simplified and modernised the browser user experience. Once a user has installed and logged into the browser, all their passwords, favourites and data associated with their work account are readily available. This removes unnecessary administrative work and brings them straight into action.
Workspaces for Microsoft Edge for Business enables users to organise their tabs by project, allowing them to quickly pull up a browser window with all the related tabs saved together. This is made even easier thanks to Copilot for Edge which allows users to create a workspace with pre-populated tabs to help them get started. All they need to do is to type a prompt into Copilot followed by their topic and a workspace with a selection of suggested websites is created.
Integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Microsoft Edge for Business also seamlessly interacts with other Microsoft 365 products such as Word. This enables users to access, create and edit files using the browser, saving users time and increasing efficiency.
To prevent cognitive overload for users, Microsoft Edge for Business automatically separates work and personal browsing. The separation occurs when a user signs into the browser using their work email address, with personal browsing then moved to a personal browsing window associated with a personal account.
The new Edge Briefcase Icon further separates work and personal browsing by displaying a “Work” label next to the user’s profile in the window that opens.
For IT Teams
The growth of remote working has increased the importance of securing employees’ computers and organisations’ internal security networks. IT teams can mobilise the Microsoft Edge Management Service to tailor the Edge experience for the whole business centrally, ensuring their preferred browser policy for security and feature management is implemented across the entire network. IT teams have a broad spectrum of features to deploy in defence of their internet landscape, including device restrictions, remote wipes, sign-in requirements and the ability to approve or block extension installation requests. All of which keep the browser secure for business and user alike.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and the unified user experience are streamlining security operations in Microsoft Edge for Business. Built-in to the browser, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen enables IT teams to monitor users’ sites and downloads in real time according to a watch list of threats. Anything flagged as malicious or suspicious can then be blocked. A process aided by the unified user experience in the browser which separates work and personal browsing windows, reducing pressure on IT teams who don’t have to worry about users installing non-compliant shadow browsers.
For Business
By using Microsoft Edge for Business, businesses are improving their user experience by separating work and personal browsing. Microsoft suggests that separating the two increases employee happiness and supports productivity by reducing the risk of blurring home and work activity. This allows personnel to focus on work priorities when browsing with Edge for Business.
When it comes to risk – Microsoft Edge for Business also has you covered through a raft of data and security measures. For example, Edge can be configured so no application or download can be authorised unless it meets the data and security policies that are enforced across the organisation. This removes the possibility that potentially harmful threats can enter the system through unsuspecting users.
Copilot: A guiding hand
Copilot is Microsoft’s Generative AI tool and is integrated with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Edge for Business. Users can pose prompts, and leverage the tool to generate content and documents.
It differs from other Generative AI tools as it does not utilise data from prompts for learning or training and access is tied to user identity, meaning that user inputs and associated responses are discarded once a session is completed. This is thanks to the commercial data protection embedded within Copilot which mitigates the risk of data being shared accidentally through the system.
Utilising the Microsoft Edge Management Service, businesses can also control what features are accessible to users and can restrict the access that Copilot has to sensitive content as well.
Standardising the browsing experience
With a number of browser options available to businesses, Microsoft Edge for Business puts Microsoft firmly back in the game as a credible corporate browser option. By satisfying the needs of users, IT teams and the business there’s lots to like. But the inclusion of Copilot has the potential to be the difference-maker – especially as businesses seek to find new ways to empower productivity while retaining control.
Interested to know more? Get in touch with the IT Corporation team today.