Accessing the Abdo Cloud

Accessing the Abdo Cloud

Overview

Most of our applications and data storage is handled in a hosted cloud environment. We use Microsoft Azure for this service. There are multiple ways to access the Abdo Cloud, but you will primarily be accessing it through the workspace found in the Abdo Cloud / Remote Desktop app. 

When you start an application in the cloud, it is actually running on a different computer - this is on a server in a data center. This hosted cloud is similar to using applications in the Google G-Suite. 

This system allows the ability to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection and provides data security. In addition, if something happens to your laptop (e.g., the battery dies) you will not lose your work as it continues to run in the cloud. Simply reconnect and continue where you left off. 
NOTE: Audio/video calls through Zoom, Teams, or other apps must be run outside of the cloud. Simply copy a meeting link and paste it into a local browser, such as Chrome or Edge, to join your meeting. 

Accessing the cloud

Desktop Application

This is our go-to way to access the cloud. Your computer should already have Azure Virtual Desktop installed remotely by the IT Department.
  1. Launch the reddish-orange "Abdo Cloud" icon from your computer's desktop

  2. Look for "Subscribe to a Workspace" and enter your @abdosolutions.com or @abdofs.com email address. It will then ask for your Office365 password
    1. You should now have cloud apps available to you through your workspace
  3. Double-click an app you'd like to launch and then complete the authentication prompts. Once it finishes loading, you're in!
    1. Your first login of the day through this method has an additional password prompt for authentication before you can finish logging into your session

Web Access

This is a backup method to get into the cloud. You can access the cloud from a browser, like Chrome or Edge, however your apps are restricted to a single screen within the browser window. 
  1. Click on the "Abdo Cloud Backup" link in Connect, or this link
  2. Log in 
    1. You should now have cloud apps available to you through your workspace
  3. Double-click an app you'd like to launch and then complete the authentication prompts. Once it finishes loading, you're in!
    1. Your first login of the day through this method has an additional password prompt for authentication before you can finish logging into your session

Ways to run applications

There are 2 ways to run your cloud apps, whichever way you connect.

If you have established a session with one method in a workspace, you must use the Logoff Session button before launching a new session with the other method - failure to log out of the previous session will result in a few quirks, which include not being able to access network drives. 

Remote Apps 

This is the most popular way to run cloud apps. It's picking whichever app(s) you want to run from your ABDO-WORKSPACE. The cloud apps will show up on your computer alongside the apps running locally. 

Session Desktop

This method is the traditional remote desktop experience. This is the last icon in your ABDO-WORKSPACE and FA-WORKSPACE, and can be helpful for troubleshooting. For more information, please see the How to Use SessionDesktop With Multiple Displays article.

Cloud FAQs

How can I be sure I'm opening a browser outside of the cloud?

Please see Am I in the cloud or not? for more information. 

Where do I log out at the end of the day? 

Click on Logoff Session to close apps at the end of the day. This can also be helpful for troubleshooting. 


How can I tell if File Explorer is inside or outside of the cloud? 


Out of the cloud
In the cloud
- The window color matches your local system preferences
- Different window color
- Network drives not visible
- Network drives are visible

- Your local computer storage is labeled as "C on _____"

How do I transfer files between my local computer and the cloud? 

Please see Moving Files between Cloud & Local for more information.

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