Island brings secure AI-ready enterprise browser to ANZ

Island has launched operations in Australia, expanding its enterprise workspace platform across Australia and New Zealand as organisations increase their use of web-based applications and AI tools.

It positions the product as an alternative to consumer web browsers adapted for corporate use, saying the platform was built for enterprise environments from the outset with governance and security controls embedded into the tools employees use day to day.

The launch comes as Australian organisations increase spending on AI and related software, while security and governance remain central concerns. Research from ADAPT points to growing interest among CIOs in AI agents and development platforms, alongside a continued focus on data security and governance.

ADAPT found 77 per cent of CIOs plan to invest in AI agents and 61 per cent in AI development platforms. It also reported that 56 per cent list data security and governance as top priorities. At the same time, 46 per cent of organisations surveyed remain in the 'emerging' stage of AI maturity.

Browser focus

Island argues the browser has become the primary work environment as more applications move to SaaS delivery and employees rely on web services for routine tasks. The platform is designed to provide visibility and compliance controls as organisations roll out AI tools, SaaS applications and other web-based services.

"Island has grown rapidly as organisations around the world recognise the browser has become the new operating environment for work," said Steve Tchejeyan, President, Island.

Tchejeyan said Australia and New Zealand are priority markets as enterprises balance innovation goals with governance and security requirements.

"Australia and New Zealand are important markets for us given the strength of their enterprise sector and the increasing focus on enabling innovation and productivity while maintaining strong governance and security. We're excited to bring Island's enterprise platform to Australian organisations as they navigate the next phase of digital and AI-driven work," he said.

Local leadership

Nick Lennon has been appointed Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. He said the local expansion reflects demand from organisations that want staff to use modern tools without resorting to informal workarounds.

"Enterprises today face a fundamental challenge: employees need open access to web applications, SaaS tools and AI to do their jobs effectively, but traditional security approaches introduce friction that slows people down or pushes them toward unsanctioned workarounds," Lennon said.

Island says it integrates security, governance and productivity features into the same workspace, and links that approach to how enterprises decide access to web applications and AI services.

"Island solves this by building security, governance and productivity directly into the workspace employees already use - allowing organisations to safely say yes to modern ways of working rather than defaulting to blocking them," Lennon said.

Customers and sectors

Island reported rapid global growth and said large organisations across financial services, healthcare, retail and the public sector have adopted its platform. It also said six of the world's largest US banks use the platform.

In Australia, Island said it is already working with customers and partners in healthcare, financial services and retail. Western Health in Victoria is among the first Australian organisations named as an adopter.

Island also highlighted enterprise IT priorities such as distributed work environments, cloud application usage and AI-driven workflows. It said the platform is focused on protecting sensitive data and meeting governance obligations as organisations expand their use of SaaS and web services.

Island plans to build its Australia and New Zealand presence through local customers and partner relationships across key industry sectors.