Google Launches Chrome Enterprise
- Enterprise users get Chrome OS with added abilities
- It comes with Microsoft Active Directory integration
- It also offers VMware Workspace ONE management solution
To expand its market reach, Google has launched a new
initiative with the aim to get large businesses to use Chrome OS, instead of
Windows. Chrome Enterprise looks to promote Chrome OS and the devices that run
on it. The new Chrome Enterprise subscription is priced at $50 (roughly Rs. )
per device per year.
Chrome Enterprise is aimed at large organisations and offers
a host of features, including access to enterprise app store fronts, deep
security controls, 24x7 support, as well as integration with cloud and
on-premise management tools, VMware Workspace ONE, and Microsoft Active Directory
integration. This is mainly aimed at enterprise users looking to adopt Chrome
OS devices, and give them an option to manage employee Chromebooks more
efficiently. This means that for the above subscription price, enterprise users
get Chrome OS but with added abilities. The subscription also offers theft
protection, single sign-on support, printer management, managed networks,
proxies, and OS updates as well.
As mentioned, Chrome Enterprise is fully compatible with
on-premise infrastructure through Microsoft Active Directory. This integration
allows employees to use their native credentials to authenticate across devices
and Google Cloud Services like Google Play while centralising management of
user and device policies for IT admins.
Furthermore, VMware Workspace ONE management solution gives
customers the ability to manage all their Chrome devices from a single
management solution. Using this third party solution, enterprise users will be
able to deploy device policies using customisable assignment of groups based on
geography, device platform, department, role, and more - simplifying policy
enforcement across the company.
Google also notes on its blog that Google Play (i.e., access
to enterprise apps) is now compatible with more than 25 Chrome devices
including the Acer 14, HP 13, Lenovo 13, or mobile devices such as the Samsung
Chromebook Pro and Asus Flip.
