Dell and Google launch world's first Chromebooks for enterprise

Google partner CTS says ChromeOS is being positioned to take on Microsoft in the enterprise space

Dell and Google have partnered to launch the world's first Chromebook devices for enterprises, signalling an assault on a market dominated by Microsoft.

The collaboration will see Dell release two Latitude devices running Google's Chrome operating system - one laptop (pictured, right) and one two-in-one device (pictured, left).

Dell said the products are the "most powerful and configurable Chrome enterprise devices".

Jay Parker, president of the Client Product Group at Dell, said: "IT administrators want to give users choice when it comes to OS, device, and when and where work gets done, but they struggle with the growing number of unmanaged devices in their environments.

"By adding Chrome to Dell Technologies Unified Workspace, we're giving IT the power to offer a consistent and secure experience for everyone, no matter the OS they choose. And best of all, users get the flexibility to choose the devices and use cases that fit their needs."

Google said that it made its Chrome Enterprise capabilities available in 2017, but these two devices from Dell are the first to have the specs included "right out of the box".

These features include advanced security, management tools and 24/7 support from Dell.

Paul Glover, chief sales officer at Google partner Cloud Technology Solutions, said that Google is positioning itself against Microsoft in the battle for enterprise OS dominance.

"They're absolutely a head-to-head competitor, there's no doubt about it," he said.

"Customers we have that have moved from Microsoft to G-Suite absolutely love it. We very rarely have customers migrate the other way.

"I think it's great to see Dell partner with Google and I think it's just another sign that Google has arrived in the enterprise."

Glover said that Chrome OS coming to Latitude devices is further proof that Google is cementing its credentials in the enterprise space, after appointing former Oracle president Thomas Kurian to lead its Google Cloud business last year.

"Latitude is the benchmark," he said. "You could argue that Dell is the leading manufacturer of enterprise laptops.

"We're seeing increasing demand for enterprise notebooks running G-Suite so it plays very well with Google's expanding enterprise business.

"Google has great credentials and fantastic experience in deploying global-scale solutions, and we're seeing an uptake in Google Cloud Platform in enterprises."

In a blog post, Google said that all existing Chrome devices can be upgraded to the same specifications as the Chrome Enterprise devices.

It said that it will be "sharing more from our OEMs on upcoming Chromebook Enterprise devices in the coming months".

"John Solomon, vice president of Chrome OS at Google, said: "Chromebook Enterprise is a game-changer for businesses looking for a modern OS that provides end users with speed and productivity, while offering IT the comprehensive security they need.

"As a long-time global leader in the enterprise, Dell Technologies has a deep understanding of end-user and IT needs and is a natural fit to bring powerful devices with the benefits of Chrome Enterprise to businesses worldwide."

Dell said the two devices will be available in 50 countries as of today. The press release did not specify if the UK is one of these countries, but Dell's website currently says the products are "coming soon". CRN has contacted Dell for clarification.

The two-in-one device starts at $819 (£667) and the laptop starts at $699, with more specifications and features available to add on and upgrade.