Google introduces Chrome Enterprise subscription for businesses

[Arthur]

Source: Google

 

Since we launched Chrome OS in 2009, our goal has been to build the simplest, fastest, and most secure operating system possible. And we’ve been inspired by all the ways we’ve seen businesses embrace Chrome, from Chromebooks in the office, to shared Chrome devices in the field, to signage and kiosks for customer engagement in retail. But with so many different business needs—not to mention so many different devices—companies have also told us they want a single, cost-effective solution that gives them the flexibility and control to keep their employees connected. That’s why today we’re announcing Chrome Enterprise.

 

Chrome Enterprise offers a host of features, including access to enterprise app storefronts, deep security controls, 24/7 support, as well as integration with cloud and on-premise management tools, VMware Workspace ONE and MicrosoftⓇ Active DirectoryⓇ. We invite you to join our Chrome Enterprise webinar on August 23 to learn more and take part in our live Q&A.

 

Here’s a little more on what the new Chrome Enterprise license will offer.

 

 

On-premise infrastructure integration

Businesses not yet ready for a cloud-only solution have wanted to manage Chrome OS with the on-premise identity and management systems they’re already using. To help, Chrome Enterprise is now 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 centralizing management of user and device policies for IT admins.

 

Unified endpoint management

We know IT admins face the challenge of managing a broad range of devices in today’s business landscape. And it’s critical to have the power to manage all devices using a single unified endpoint management solution. Which is why Chrome Enterprise now gives customers the ability to manage all their Chrome devices from a single management solution.

 

VMware Workspace ONE powered by VMware AirWatch will be the first third party solution provider to manage Chrome devices. Workspace ONE will provide a centralized approach to managing corporate-owned or bring-your-own device. This collaboration combines the speed, simplicity and security of Chrome with the cloud-based unified endpoint management of VMware AirWatch.

 

The compatibility of Chrome Enterprise with VMware Workspace ONE will enable organizations to deliver device policies using customizable assignment of groups based on geography, device platform, department, role, and more – simplifying policy enforcement across the company. Building on previously released integrations of Workspace ONE with Chrome OS, IT admins can also provide employees with access to all enterprise applications – cloud, web, native Android, virtual Windows – from a single app catalog to deliver a consistent experience to employees anywhere, anytime, on any device. Chrome device users can even access full Windows desktops and applications, helping to accelerate the adoption of Chrome devices in the enterprise.

[NB9457]

Does this mean we can rename Chrome books?

[FN-GM]

Will be keen to see what it can do, but I can't see how it would benefit our existing ChromeOS deployment.

[theeggmaster]

The webinar recording is

if you want a little bit more info.

[FN-GM]

I am confused. They are talking about being able to manage and push out Android apps. You can do this already..

[Arthur]

Will be keen to see what it can do, but I can't see how it would benefit our existing ChromeOS deployment.

 

https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2017/10/stable-channel-update-for-chrome-os_27.html

 

The Stable channel has been updated to 62.0.3202.74 (Platform version: 9901.54.0/1) for most* Chrome OS devices. This build contains a number of bug fixes and security updates. Systems will be receiving updates over the next several days.

 

New Features

• Kerberos SSO integration for Active Directory managed Chrome OS devices
  
• Ability to zoom legacy apps in tablet mode
  
• Randomized Alternate Hosts for Captive Portal Detection
  
• Chrome notification style & interactions refresh
  
• Enhanced touch experience in Files app
  
• Support for full-screen apps in Enterprise Public Session mode
  
• ARC++ inbound network connections
  

 

This is the AD integration Google were talking about in the video posted by @theeggmaster.

 

 

 

About Chrome Microsoft Active Directory Integration

 

Chrome Microsoft Active Directory Integration is only available for Chrome Enterprise. It is not available for Chrome Education. If your organization has Chrome Education, you can use Google Cloud Directory Sync.

 

After you integrate Chrome devices with a Microsoft Active Directory server:

 

• Your managed users can authenticate natively with their Active Directory credentials. This means you don’t need to synchronize their usernames to Google device management servers.
  
• You can manage sessions and push policies to both users and devices with Group Policy Objects.
  

[ADMaster]

61 didn't last too long, almost 2 months on 60 and only 3 weeks on 61.

[FN-GM]

 

I do this anyway using ADFS.