> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/data-security-documentation/cortex-data-security-data-sources-and-connectors/generic-on-premise-data-collectors/broker-vm-data-collector-applets.md).

# Broker VM data collector applets

Configure Broker VM data collector applets for Cortex Data Security.

To extend the capabilities of Cortex Data Security to your on-premise infrastructure, you use the Broker VM and a specialized application called an applet. The Broker VM is a virtual machine deployed within your local network that acts as a secure, local collector and gateway. It is essential for unifying and packaging data from your on-premise resources before sending them to Cortex Data Security.

{% hint style="info" icon="note-sticky" %}
**Note**

* For more information on the Broker VM, see [Broker VM](/data-security-documentation/data-management/broker-vm.md).
* Your data is scanned on the Broker VM itself, and only the metadata and classification results are transmitted from the on-premise environment to Cortex Data Security.
  {% endhint %}


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