Browser Redirector
Increased business use of browser-based applications creates challenges. Different web applications may require a certain web browser to run correctly. As a result, organizations provide users with access to multiple browsers to enable compatibility. For example, some web-based applications may be optimized for Google Chrome, but an older business web-based application may require Internet Explorer.
The Browser Redirector feature can help organizations overcome these challenges by allowing administrators to ensure certain URLs are always launched in the required browser. When a user then selects a URL link or enters a URL to the browser address bar, Browser Redirector intercepts the request and opens the browser required according to the rules defined.
Functional Behaviours
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When enabled, the Browser Redirector feature allows requests from websites to be intercepted and redirected to the web browser based required according to defined policies. In addition, the Browser Redirector feature can be used to set the default browser for each user. It will intercept http and https URL requests and redirect them as required.
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Browser Redirector runs in each user session and acts as a proxy, directing web requests on a per request basis. The required browser is launched according to the configuration - either Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge (Chromium).
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Where a request does not match a defined rule, the specified Default browser is used. Optionally, users can specify their own default browser and the Browser Redirector feature will honour the preference stated.
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When a user enters a URL into a browser the Browser Redirector extensions intercept the request and again acts as a proxy, directing web requests on a per-request basis. When a matching rule is found, the current browsing tab is closed and the request is launched in the alternative web browser.
If Browser Redirector is configured to open a company intranet URL in Internet Explorer. A user then attempts to navigates to https://intranet in Google Chrome. In this scenario, the user’s current browsing tab in Chrome is closed and the URL is loaded in a new instance/tab using Internet Explorer.
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Browser Redirector enables the administrator to define a set of policies which redirect specific URLs to an external process. This enables the redirection of specific URLs to third-party applications if required. An example of a use-case for this would be to launch an App-V or ThinApp package via the appropriate command line.
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Browser Redirector can be configured to ensure that when a browser is launched, it does so with a set of specified parameters.
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Browser Redirector also supports enforcing the use of a specific browser for use cases such as kiosk machines. Where a default browser is specified and the Enforce Administrator Defined Browser option is selected, Browser Redirector will always launch the enforced browser, unless a rule exists for the URL to be redirected to an alternate browser.
Extensions Required
The Browser Redirector feature requires browser extensions to be installed to provide full functionality:
Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer Browser Helper Object (BHO) is installed automatically when the Browser Redirector component is enabled. It is responsible for intercepting URL requests inside the Internet Explorer browser. Where Internet Explorer Enhanced Protected mode is in use a separate compatible BHO can also be used.
Google Chrome
The Google Chrome extension needs to be installed for each user and is dynamically installed when the Browser Redirector feature is enabled. It can also be installed for users by configuring the appropriate Chrome browser policies if required.
Mozilla Firefox
The Mozilla Firefox extension needs to be installed for each user and is dynamically installed when the Browser Redirector feature is enabled. It can also be installed for users by configuring the appropriate Firefox browser policies if required.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium)
The Microsoft Edge (Chromium) extension needs to be installed for each user and is dynamically installed when the Browser Redirector feature is enabled. It can also be installed for users by configuring the appropriate Microsoft Edge (Chromium) browser policies if required.