Chrome and Microsoft Edge Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any downtime with the update for additional browser support and, if so, how much?
Yes, there will be some Communication Director downtime. We ask that you plan for up to 4 hours, but we’re generally able to minimize this as the length of downtime is dependent upon how many Hotfixes and/or Service Packs need to be applied to your Communication Director System.
If we're not already on Service Pack 20, will there be a separate downtime to complete this update in addition to the update for Chrome/Edge support? If so, how much?
Yes. If you’re not already on service pack 20, we recommend you update to service pack 20 in advance as a separate update needed prior to scheduling the update for additional browser support. We ask that you plan for up to 4 hours, but we’re generally able to minimize this as the length of downtime is dependent upon how many Hotfixes and/or Service Packs need to be applied to your Communication Director System.
What functionality is impacted by downtime? Will jobs queue up?
During downtime, DesktopFax will be unavailable. If you’re using inbound fax management, this will also be unavailable, and senders will receive a busy signal. Reports delivered via SmartRoute will queue and deliver once services have been restarted.
Does DesktopFax/SAM/Routing look different in Chrome/Edge than in Internet Explorer?
There are minor aesthetic differences related to fonts and icons but the functionality is the same. Please see the FAQ on printing which references a new workflow for printing.
Is there anything new we need to be trained on, or that we’ll need to train our end users on?
No, the functionality is the same as the Internet Explorer compatible version.
Is there a new DesktopFax/SAM/Routing guide or any updated documentation?
There is a new guide for DesktopFax available. Updated guides for SAM and Routing will be available soon.
How are printing functions managed in the new web applications?
Printing functions in the new web application (Chrome/Edge) will follow the web standard of downloading the document(s) via PDF for the end user to select/open and then print.
What will need to be done or configured on the end user side in order for them to use the new browser?
The application should launch in users’ default browser. If the default browser is Internet Explorer, please contact CDS support for additional instructions.
How do I check my SSL certificate?
Your certificate must include a field for Subject Alternative Name with the server FQDN as the value and must use a signature algorithm of SHA-256 RSA
When viewing your certificate, from the Details tab, you’ll need to look for a Field labeled “Subject Alternative Name.” The Value for this field needs to be the server FQDN.
If you have a wildcard certificate, the Subject Alternative Name needs to have a DNS Name entry for *.DomainName (see wildcard example below):
You will also need to look on the Details tab for the SHA-256 RSA signature algorithm (see example below):
When viewing your certificate, from the Details tab, you’ll need to look for a Field labeled “Subject Alternative Name.” The Value for this field needs to be the server FQDN.
If you have a wildcard certificate, the Subject Alternative Name needs to have a DNS Name entry for *.DomainName (see wildcard example below):
You will also need to look on the Details tab for the SHA-256 RSA signature algorithm (see example below):
Why does the certificate need to have a Subject Alternative Name and sha256rsa signature algorithm?
The browsers require this.
What do I do if my certificate does not meet this requirement?
You will need to obtain a new certificate, or we can provide one for you.
I have a wildcard certificate - will this be acceptable?
Yes, as long as it meets the prerequisites.
How do I know if I have the needed Communication Director version?
You can access version information by logging in to the Communication Director Administration tool and clicking on the Help tab. From there, scroll and look for 4.0.0_SP20. This is the needed service pack. You’ll also need to look for 41_Enablement to verify your overall Communication Director version is 4.1.
Have you tested this at other customer sites?
Yes, we have successfully completed beta testing with other customers.
Can we still use Internet Explorer?
Yes, if you choose to do so, you will still be able to use the applications in Internet Explorer until it is disabled by Microsoft.
When will Internet Explorer be disabled?
Starting June 15, 2022, Microsoft will gradually transition users from the unsupported Internet Explorer 11 to Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer 11 will be progressively redirected to Microsoft Edge over several months. Additionally, Internet Explorer 11 will be permanently disabled as part of a future Windows Cumulative Update. Microsoft will assess the appropriate time to redirect users and roll out the Windows update based on several factors. Note: this may be applied at any time after June 15, 2022.
Internet Explorer 11 desktop app retirement FAQ – Microsoft Tech Community
Internet Explorer 11 desktop app retirement FAQ – Microsoft Tech Community
How do I continue to use Communication Director if Internet Explorer is disabled, and we have not yet taken the update for additional browser support?
We would recommend the following:
- Upgrade to the Chrome/Edge compatible version of DesktopFax at your earliest convenience.
- Note that your site must be on Communication Director version 4.1 to receive the DesktopFax update. Your certificate must include a field for Subject Alternative Name with the server FQDN as the value and must use a signature algorithm of SHA-256 RSA.
- Leverage Edge with Internet Explorer mode for users who need access to the existing System Activity Monitor and Routing until the updated versions are released later this year.
