With the new Chrome Enterprise Connectors Framework, Google is highlighting how Chromebooks can work better in a “zero trust” enterprise environment. This new integrated system is designed to make it easier for IT departments to implement Chrome Browser and Chrome OS devices using existing security, endpoint and authentication solutions, and other management solutions.
Google Chrome OS executive John Solomon described the new tool as a “plug-and-play” solution that lets other companies take control of Chrome OS management functions, such as remotely wiping Chromebooks with BlackBerry Unified Endpoint Management or flagging malware downloads with Splunk. These types of administrative functions were previously implemented through the Google Admin console.
Managing and enrolling Chrome OS devices in the enterprise will still rely on Google tools like Google Admin and Chrome Browser Cloud Management. However, new tools like Chrome OS Data Controls give businesses more options to allow or lock printing, screenshots, copy/paste and other potential data loss situations. It even allows IT departments to better handle buggy Chrome OS updates and is currently available through the Trusted Tester program.
Chromebooks hold a huge share of the education market compared to Windows PCs, Macs, and iPads. But with PC shipments declining in the first quarter of this year, Google is looking to broaden its horizons, so enterprises have become Google’s new target.
