What is Kasm
Kasm is a platform specializing in providing secure browser-based workspaces for a wide range of applications and industries. Its main goal is to provide isolated and secure environments that can be accessed via web browsers, ensuring that users can perform tasks without risking the security of their local systems.
Kasm combines security and convenience to provide a versatile and easy-to-use solution for both businesses and individuals who, inevitably, with the arrival of remote working and cloud computing, have come across the need to adopt browser-based workspaces. secure and efficient browser-based workspaces has become more important than ever.
Why did AIknow adopt Kasm?
We were looking for a cloud-based solution to test user interfaces of containerized and deployed web applications in staging environments (in a protected network), possibly even remotely, without having to configure various options and browsers on your machine.
That’s how we discovered Kasm: a tool whose use cases go far beyond what we were looking for.
How does Kasm work?
The product operates on a simple but powerful concept: it isolates user sessions in secure containers, which are essentially self-contained environments running on Kasm’s infrastructure. These containers come with browsers, applications, and the tools needed to perform a wide range of tasks without exposing the user’s local device to potential threats.
Users connect to workspaces using a web browser; from workspaces, users can navigate the web or perform other operations that require Internet access directly from the Kasm infrastructure. Behind the scenes, a Kasm server runs workspaces as containers, based on Docker technology.
The web interface shows the different workspaces available to the user. It is possible to configure different workspaces depending on the user, for example, in the following image you can see a user that has access to Alma Linux, Chrome, and a modified version of Ubuntu.
By launching Ubuntu from the previous screen, we have access, directly from the browser, to a containerized version of the system, in this way we are able to take advantage of the operating system’s features, as well as those added during the custom configuration phase.
It is possible to configure different workspaces from one administrative interface, making different applications available to users. In the following image, you can see some of the options available for Kasm workspaces. Entire operating systems (Alma Linux, Debian, Fedora) can be run as individual applications, for example a Chrome or Brave browser. Even Docker can be run.
Main Characteristics
1. Security: Kasm takes security seriously. By isolating user sessions in containers, it prevents malware, viruses, or malicious scripts from infecting the user’s local device. The platform uses robust security protocols, ensuring data security and privacy.
2. Browser-based access: the user is able to access Kasm workspaces via any web browser, therefore, practically from any device with Internet connectivity. This accessibility makes Kasm incredibly convenient for remote work and for those who prefer not to install software on their local computers.
3. Versatility: Kasm offers a wide range of use cases, from web development and testing to secure access to web applications and resources. Users are able to customize their workspace based on specific needs.
4. Collaboration: Kasm supports team collaboration through shared workspaces. Multiple team members can work within the same secure container, making it easier to collaborate on projects and solve problems in real time.
5. Customization: Users can customize their workspaces by including those applications and tools most needed to work efficiently.
6. Cost Efficiency: By eliminating the need for high-end on-premises hardware and associated software licenses, Kasm can lead to cost saving for businesses. It allows users to run resource-intensive applications in cloud, reducing hardware costs.
7. Rapid deployment: Kasm workspaces can be deployed quickly, allowing businesses to scale up or down as needed and without delays from purchasing or the need to configure new hardware.
Use Cases
1. Web development and testing: Developers can use Kasm to create isolated environments for testing web applications without the need to install software on their local computers.
2. Safe Browsing: Web security-conscious individuals or companies can use Kasm to browse the Internet safely, without potential malware or tracking: everything that happens in the browsing sessions remains confined to Kasm’s container, which can be destroyed when no longer needed.
3. Remote Work: Kasm is an excellent solution for remote teams: it provides a secure, shared environment to collaborate on projects and access company resources.
4. Education: Educational establishments can use Kasm to provide students with standardized and safe environments for courses and exams.
A concrete example of use: it can be used to work on shared documents, for example with ONLYOFFICE (see the following image), without the need to save in a cloud infrastructure which there is no control over (for this, it is sufficient to install Kasm in an on-premises environment).
Conclusion
Kasm represents a significant step forward in the world of secure, browser-based workspaces. Its commitment to security, versatility, and cost-efficiency makes it a compelling choice for businesses and individuals looking for a robust, easy to use solution.
Kasm can be used in a public cloud or installed on premises, managing the computers on which the containers run.
By isolating user sessions and offering a wide range of customized options, Kasm allows users to work and collaborate securely while avoiding the risks associated with traditional desktop computing.
As remote work continues to gain prominence, platforms like Kasm will play an increasingly vital role in ensuring the safety and productivity of users around the world. For more information on Kasm you can consult their official website. For more information on kasm you can consult the official website.
