Google Chromebook – quietest launch in Canadian Technology

So let me start by saying I have long been interested in Google Chromebook. My interest stems from my belief system around the future of enterprise access devices. I’m pretty much a broken record

1. There will be an appliance/thin client at every desk/cubicle. All end user data and applications will be in the data centre and access via virtualization techniques. Essentially call the access device “furniture”

2. If staff need mobility beyond roaming from desk to desk , I want to provide that in a way that dos not require my organization to perpetuate the evil of managing an enterprise laptop burdened with data, policy, encryption, and difficult to support applications

a. Ideally people are bringing in their own laptops (BYOD), using Wi-Fi networks and virtual agents to access data and applications

b. But if not, then I want a light/zero management mobile device that my firm provides end users

Google Chromebooks appear to be a real candidate here. They can be managed very lightly over the Web, and have a Citrix Receiver to access virtualized applications. Their proposed model of rental over three years and automated replacement also seems interesting as a means of enforcing currency discipline on support teams.

For the past 9 months it has been an adventure trying to get opinionated on Chromebook. We “smuggled” a few units in from the US (Acer and Samsung did not manage to do a Canadian launch) and it was devilishly hard to get any support.

In talking to some smart folk at Google, they have brought Chromebook to Canada in what has to be the quietest/softest launch ever. They are now taking orders for Wi-Fi Chromebooks in a direct contract with Google, and arranging some VAR channels. I also understand they are working with Canadian carriers to find a way to include a 3G connection into the three year deals. I don’t think I am betraying any confidences here, this is public info, just very quiet public info.

I really think Google and the industry should be making a bigger fuss about this. I know Chromebook has not been loved by technology pundits, but their perspective is that of consumers. I think Chromebook and the acquisition model should be:

3. Of massive interest to Education. Most schools cannot maintain legacy PC “plants”. The mix of a simple, inexpensive (special deals for education) device and virtualized back ends (ideally operated by third parties) should be a disruptive change for this sector

4. and as enterprises continue to drive towards more virtualization and BYOD, one would think new approaches like this should be of interest.

So Google make some noise! (smiley)