Jay LeonardChromebooks are the newest innovation in portable computers. They are actually not full computers, they do not have a hard drive per se, but they work with the Google Chrome OS browser. Instead of using Desktop, your information is stored on cloud apps. Although it works on the Google Chrome browser, the Chromebook has the ability to enable you to run some desktop applications remotely on another computer. This is true for whatever operating system the remote computer is running on. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the traditional laptop, but, depending on what your particular business needs are; the Chromebook could definitely be beneficial. Here are the top 5 reasons why some businesses should consider embracing Google Chromebooks.
- Like the average netbook, the Chromebook is very lightweight and portable. This is especially beneficial for someone who occasionally has to work while traveling.
- Chromebooks have built-in security and virus-protection. No need to worry about hackers stealing your information.
- The Chromebook starts very quickly. It starts in as little as 7 seconds and will not slow down over time.
- You will not lose your important data, as it is stored in the Cloud.
- New apps are constantly being developed that allow you to work offline. It is not hard to see how beneficial this can be, as it may be difficult to get a Wi-Fi signal in some areas. Once online, your work can be resumed without loss of information.
Now if you do not find these reasons good enough to embrace the Chromebook for your business, there are at least a couple more.
- Automatic Updates. This computer automatically updates itself as soon as you turn it on. This includes system and hardware updates, as well as anti-malware and anti-virus software.
- Power that lasts all day. The battery power of the Chromebook has enough power to last throughout the day so that you can continue your work without having to charge your battery.
Despite all the above benefits of owning a Chromebook, this computer is still so new to the public that some people may have trouble really embracing it right now. They may wonder, “Is the Google Chromebook just a glorified netbook?” Well, to answer that question, it depends on how you look at it. For sure, the Google Chromebook is not a full computer, in that it is basically just a browser. It uses the Google Chrome browser and is made by Google. However, a lot of people love using the Google Chrome browser anyway, because it is sometimes more reliable than Internet Explorer.
As mentioned earlier, it gets you online much faster than a traditional computer. That includes the netbook as well. Some people may be bothered by the fact that the system uses the Cloud app instead of Desktop. These people feel that they do not actually own their own information, that it is owned by Google. Well consider this; with Cloud your information is safe from hackers and from viruses and other such malware. Actually, Cloud storage may actually be safer than Desktop storage in some ways. There have been reports of people actually losing information in Desktop. It does not happen often, but it does happen occasionally.
Although the Google Chromebook is just a browser, in most cases, it is more than enough to supply your business needs. You can send and receive e-mail, create documents, edit photos, most of what you do with a traditional computer. However, to create documents you will have to go through Google Docs or Office Web apps as these cannot be done from just a browser. This may be another deterrent for some potential buyers. These people may see that as an extra unnecessary step since a full laptop or even a netbook will already have these programs pre-loaded. On the plus side, it is not at all difficult to use these apps from the extensive Google Apps store. It is just different in that there is no downloading of software. You just choose the apps you need from the app store. There are thousands of apps to choose from and more are being added from time to time. As these new apps are added, the Chromebook is automatically updated to include them.
Now that you have seen the pros and cons of owning a Chromebook for your business, will you embrace it? It is a very simple to use device and the price is comparable to a netbook or a lower-priced full laptop. Unlike a laptop, it is very portable and can easily be transported, even stowed away in a purse. For those that like the idea of having the latest gadget, it is a little more modern than the netbook. It is also faster than both. Although the Chromebook lacks some of the heavier stuff, it can still be a valuable asset to your business.
This article was written for Business 2 Community by Jay Leonard.
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I was tempted on more than 1 occasion to use chrome book when I was an independent consultant but somehow cud not believe the simplicity of the UI
I swear by the Chrome Book now that I have used it side by side with a Windows laptop. Not only is the speed unreal and the battery life significantly longer, but not having to run updates or have my system constantly getting slower and slower because Windows is running stuff in the background is incredibly refreshing.
I am sure it won’t work for everyone as some need native applications, but I was a heavy Excel user (and Word) and although it was an adjustment, in time I got used to using Google Docs and now I would never go back. It is such a load off my mind to being using a Chrome Book now. This style of computer has to be the wave of the future.
Microsoft should have understood the pains we’ve been through for so long. Instead, they are focusing on tablet computing… We need rich apps, but also simple computers which are easy to deploy and maintain. Business IT is built on the enterprise networks and servers, so the Chrome OS paradigm is obviously effecient in that environment.
I believe IBM, Oracle, Microsoft… should start evaluating the Chrome Packaged Apps platform and propose Lotus Notes, Office, Projects, Photoshop, Final Cut… on the Chrome Web Store.
While businesses have been slow to adopt Chromebooks, the technology does make sense for certain use cases. As the devices improve, more and more businesses will find groups of employees or even entire departments that can enjoy the benefits that Chromebooks offer, such as ease of use, quick start-up, etc.
But the major issue for many businesses will be giving up their Windows applications. Not everyone can do that. However, there are solutions, based on HTML5 technology, that allow browser-based access to such applications. For example, Ericom’s AccessNow HTML5 RDP solution – http://www.ericom.com/RDPChromebook.asp?URL_ID=708 – enables Chromebook users to securely connect to Terminal Server or VDI virtual destops (basically, to any RDP host) and run their applications and desktops in a browser.
AccessNow does not require any software installation on the end user device, which fits the Chromebook model of reducing IT support costs.
Yes, I do work for Ericom