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IT Deployment & Provisioning

This guide provides IT administrators with comprehensive information for deploying XY Browser Agent across multiple users in enterprise environments.

Building Overview for IT Administrators​

XY Browser Agent is a Chrome Extension designed for web automation and AI-powered workflow creation. Unlike typical Chrome Web Store extensions, it requires special deployment considerations for enterprise environments.

Critical Requirements
  • Direct HTTPS Access Required: Browser Agent must run on systems with direct internet/intranet access to target websites
  • Not Available in Chrome Web Store: Currently distributed only via XY Web App download
  • Chrome Developer Mode: Requires unpacked extension loading for deployment

Wrench Technical Architecture​

Chrome Extension Structure​

XY Browser Agent is distributed as a ZIP file containing:

  • manifest.json - Extension configuration and permissions
  • dist/ folder - Complete extension bundle for unpacked loading
  • Supporting files for Chrome's extension system

When extracted, the folder can be loaded via Chrome's "Developer Mode" → "Load Unpacked" functionality.

Extension Type and Limitations​

Unpacked Extension Characteristics:

  • Requires Chrome Developer Mode to be enabled
  • Not automatically updated like Chrome Web Store extensions
  • Requires manual version management and distribution
  • Suitable for controlled enterprise environments

Shield Critical Access Requirements​

Direct Browser Access Requirement​

XY Browser Agent MUST run on browsers with direct HTTPS access to target websites.

✅ Compatible Environments:

  • Standard desktop/laptop installations
  • Physical workstations with direct internet access
  • VPN connections that provide direct web access
  • Thin clients with local Chrome browser execution

❌ Incompatible Environments:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions
  • Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with browser virtualization
  • Amazon AppStream 2.0 and similar streaming services
  • Citrix Virtual Apps with published browsers
  • "Pane-of-glass" remote access solutions

Why VDI/Remote Desktop Won't Work​

Chrome Extensions require access to the actual DOM (Document Object Model) and JavaScript execution context of websites. In VDI/remote desktop environments:

  1. Visual-Only Access: Remote desktop provides only screen pixels, not DOM access
  2. Extension API Limitations: Chrome Extension APIs cannot function through remote display protocols
  3. JavaScript Isolation: Extension cannot inject scripts or interact with website code
  4. Network Layer Issues: Extension sees the VDI host network, not the target website network
Deployment Failure

Attempting to deploy XY Browser Agent on VDI or remote desktop environments will result in non-functional installations. Users will see the extension interface but it cannot interact with websites.

Laptop Enterprise Deployment Methods​

Method 1: Manual Distribution​

Best for: Small to medium deployments, controlled rollouts

Process:

  1. IT admin downloads latest ZIP from XY Web App
  2. Extract ZIP to network share or distribute via preferred file sharing method
  3. Provide end-users with installation instructions
  4. Users install via Chrome Developer Mode

Advantages:

  • Simple implementation
  • Full control over rollout timing
  • Easy version management
  • Works on all Windows/Mac/Linux systems

Method 2: Mobile Device Management (MDM)​

Best for: Organizations using Intune, JAMF, or similar MDM solutions

Process:

  • Package extension files with MDM deployment scripts
  • Use MDM to distribute and execute installation scripts
  • Monitor deployment status through MDM dashboard

Advantages:

  • Aligns with your IT software deployment standards

Clipboard Obtaining XY Browser Agent​

Download Process​

There are two ways to download the Browser Agent extension:

Path 1: Home Screen Recommendations

  1. Sign in to XY Web App: Navigate to app.xy.ai
  2. Look for the recommendations card on your home screen
  3. Click "Install browser agent" button on the recommendations card
  4. This will take you to the Browser Agents section (Path 2 below)

Path 2: Browser Agents Section

  1. Sign in to XY Web App: Navigate to app.xy.ai
  2. Navigate to Browser Agents in the sidebar
  3. Click the "Install" tab
  4. Click "Download XY Browser Agent" button
  5. Save the extension file (zip file) to your computer

After Download:

  • Extract the ZIP file to access the extension folder
  • The folder will be named XY workflow agent (or similar)
  • Verify the folder contains a manifest.json file
  • Check file size and version number to ensure integrity

Users User Environment Requirements​

System Requirements​

Minimum Requirements:

  • Chrome Browser: Version 88 or higher (January 2021+)
  • Operating System: Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, or Linux (Ubuntu 16.04+)
  • RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB recommended for heavy automation)
  • Network: Direct HTTPS access to target websites
  • Permissions: Ability to enable Chrome Developer Mode

Network Architecture​

Required Network Access:

  • XY Servers: HTTPS access to app.xy.ai
  • Target Websites: Direct HTTPS/HTTP access to automation targets

Firewall Considerations:

  • Allow Chrome to make outbound HTTPS connections
  • Ensure WebSocket connections are permitted (for real-time features)
  • Consider allowlisting XY domains for enhanced security

Lock Security Considerations​

Extension Permissions​

XY Browser Agent requires broad permissions for web automation:

Granted Permissions:

  • Active Tab: Read and interact with current webpage
  • All URLs: Access to any website for automation
  • Storage: Local and cloud workflow storage
  • Scripting: JavaScript injection for automation

Chart Performance and Resource Planning​

System Resource Impact​

Per-User Resource Usage:

  • Memory: 50-200MB depending on workflows
  • CPU: Variable based on automation complexity
  • Network: Depends on target website interactions