| Despite Adobe’s meticulously detailed Flash EOL roadmap, Microsoft, in true form, has left the final blow to Enterprise Flash usage shrouded in ambiguity.This is the latest from Microsoft on the matter: In Summer of 2021, all the APIs, group polices and user interfaces that specifically govern the behavior of Adobe Flash Player will be removed from Microsoft Edge (legacy) and Internet Explorer 11 via the latest “Cumulative Update” on Windows 10 platforms and via “Cumulative Update for Internet Explorer 11” or “Monthly Rollup.” While Adobe did leave a workaround for Enterprise to continue using Flash after the January 12th “This time we mean it” kill bit. They didn’t, however, specify when that option will cease to be functional. As you can see above, Microsoft, in the “summer of 2021”, intends to delete Flash altogether from Windows via a Cumulative/Security Update. “Summer of 2021” is a bit vague for an IT timeline, especially if a mission critical application could suddenly break. Software EOL is nothing new, of course. Oracle no longer supporting Java for free is a prime example. However, the difference here is the scorched-earth approach from Adobe/Microsoft. Beware Adobe’s paid, partner-driven virtual solution: it saddles you with a custom browser and annual fees per application. | “We’re having real trouble finding Adobe’s plans for expiring support of the allow list/mms.cfg functionality.” –Browsium Customer | ||
ION FLASH REMEDIATION | |||
| So what options are there?Rewriting legacy apps and/or retraining is expensive and time consuming.Waiting for a clear timeline is risky and could result in an expensive interruption. If you are already an Ion customer, you likely know where this is going. Like our multiple Java version remediation, it is possible to sandbox Flash to the trusted URLs of your choosing – centrally – and invisibly to the end user. So, when, I don’t know, let’s say accounting, fires up their computers the morning after the security update and navigates to a legacy app that requires Flash… Browsium Ion will keep applications running flawlessly, with users experiencing no disruptions, and everyone gets paid on time! Sadly, in IT, something that doesn’t happen doesn’t get the same recognition as when something (really bad) does. We feel your pain. If you aren’t currently using Ion, why not?!? Seriously, with Ion you can: • Run Flash without having to isolate a special browser version • Multiple versions of flash side-by-side • Flash without Flash being installed • Flash even if it’s actively blocked • Keep using Flash versions indefinitely As always, like our technical support, you know where to find us! The intention of this and the succeeding editions of this newsletter is to keep you up to date on all things Browser – The De Facto OS of Modern Enterprise IT. Any suggestions for topics or comments are welcome. Next up: Looking Inside your Browser(s). Edition 1, Volume 1 | Our Flash solution can be PoC’d and deployed in as little as one week. | ||
