It's no secret that Google wants to overtake Windows in the enterprise market, but now its Chromebooks have a very real chance to do so. Google announced that it has set up a deal with VMware that will allow Chromebooks access to Windows applications, data and other pertinent information over the cloud.
VMware's Blast HTML5 Desktop Access software will now work on Chromebooks and provide cloud-based access to legacy Windows applications, data and desktops using a catalog web app. Desktop-as-a-Service is sort of like a bridge that will link Windows PCs to Chromebooks, transferring all the information you need from your PC to your Chromebook.
Google hopes that this bridge will help enterprise users make the transition from Windows to Chrome OS more quickly. The relationship between the two companies will also improve security and lower the cost of switching to Chrome for businesses. Amit Singh, President of Google Enterprise boasted about the great advantages of Chrome for enterprise clients in a statement after the deal was announced.
"Google Chromebooks can save businesses about $5,000 per computer when compared to traditional PCs," said Singh. "Chromebooks are designed for the way people use computers today and are a secure, easy and cost-effective solution to help organizations embrace a new way of doing business. Through our partnership with VMware, businesses can now capitalize on these advantages with access to legacy applications, data and desktops they need to keep employees productive."
In a statement, Sanjay Poonen, executive vice president and general manager of End-User Computing at VMware expressed his pleasure that Google and VMware have come to this mutually beneficial agreement.
"VMware DaaS and desktop virtualization will enable Windows-based applications and desktops to run on Google Chromebooks, delivering on the promise of the Mobile-Cloud Era without compromise," Poonen said.
Recently, Google began aggressively pursuing the enterprise market and its plans to expand the reach of Chrome OS in businesses and schools. Its Chromebook lineup has grown in popularity ever since big-name brands like Samsung, HP and Dell came onboard and now Chrome OS is gaining a steady following, especially in classrooms. Just last week, Google announced Chromebox for Meetings, a package deal for enterprise customers.
Microsoft's big gamble with Windows 8 is not paying off in any sector, least of all enterprise. Many businesses and classrooms have declined to upgrade their desktops and laptops to Windows 8 because of the high costs. Now that Google's main competition in the enterprise and consumer PC markets has faltered, the company has a perfect opportunity to take over with Chrome OS. Chrome is cheap, it's effective and it offers a modern, cloud-based approach to computing that appeals to mobile customers, too. Google finally nosed its way into the enterprise market. It's only a matter of time before Chrome takes over.
