Chromebooks Next Big Thing | Is the IT Arena ready ?

Chromebooks Next Big Thing – Is the IT Arena is ready for the change ?

When Google Chromebooks arrived into the market in 2011,[1] little it was thought that they would pose a threat to the traditional laptop industry, owing to their limited functionality. However, chromebooks have proved everyone wrong. Though chromebooks do not comprise a significant market share, the increasing popularity for these devices speaks lot about their role in future technology innovations[2]. With the increasing implementation of cloud computing networks, laptops outside the work are mostly used for web browsing, which is what chromebooks are specifically designed for. This is why industry experts predict that chromebooks would be the next big thing in the IT Arena in the coming years.

Chromebooks Next Big Thing – statistics

While the Chromebook was launched in 2011, it did not make significant sales during that time. According to the US Market Watcher NPD report on commercial channel laptop sales in the US[3], chromebooks market share in 2012 was only 0.2 percent. However, the year 2013 saw a rapid growth in sales wherein the device market rose to 9.6 percent. From the entire laptop market, Microsoft accounted 75 percent while chromebooks took over 21 percent, leaving the rest to the MAC. In numbers, over 1.4 million devices were shipped in this year.

Chromebooks Next Big Thing – Forecast for the next 3 years

Rising from 0.2 percent in 2012 to 9.6 percent by the end of 2013, chromebook have shown that it has the potential to compete with traditional notebooks. According to ABI Research[4], 11 million chromebooks are expected to be shipped by 2019. Looking at current market trends, this prediction seems to come good. Acer and Samsung are the two companies that have first released this product. Google has its own product, Pixel that is comparatively expensive. [5]HP’s initial release of the device, Chromebook 11[6] had charging issues which are now sorted out. HP already has multiple models of chromebooks in the market. Dell has[7] released Chromebook 11. Sony has released Sony VAIO VCC11[8] and Toshiba[9] has its own chromebook model as well. Asus[10] has released a couple of models. With all major laptop manufacturing companies entering into the chromebook market, the product market is expected to rapidly accelerate in the next 12 months and in the coming 2-3 years as well.

Chromebooks Next Big Thing The Competition

HP has recently released Android-only laptop called HP Slatebook 14[11]. With 14” screen, Nvidia’s Tegra 4 processor, 64 GB storage and 9 hours of battery life, this slatebook is available for $399 and is targeted at mobile applications. Microsoft it coming up with different models of Windows 8/8.1 devices. Chromebooks pose a competition to tablets as both share similar capabilities like the same form factor, quick bootup and the price. While chromebooks have the web store, iOS has the app store and Android has the Android market. While you cannot install native desktop applications on Chromebooks, the same is the case with iOS and Android.

The reaction of Hardware producers

With Chromebooks turning out to be the next big thing in IT, Intel aims at powering them. According to Navin Shenoy, Intel Vice-President & GM for Mobile Client platforms, “We will embrace multiple OS and we want our technology to work best with them.”[12] The new Bay Trail M chip branded as Celeron i3 processor would be inside the chromebook for several models. Intel is the only brand that supports 64 bit Chrome OS. HP CEO Meg Whitman feels the market for chromebooks is encouraging. According to Meg Whitman at Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference[13], “There are some groups who do not need Windows backward compatibility in their laptops. So I’m convinced this multi-OS, multi-architecture, multi-form factor strategy is the right one for us and we are going to follow the market and try to be the leading provider there on the commercial side.”

Dell chromebooks provide affordable and easy access to technology for students and teachers from school and home. According to Neil Hand, VP, Dell Tablet and Performance PC Group, “The Dell Chromebook 11 will give schools and districts another tool to consider as they plan their digital content and curriculum strategies, and its competitive pricing will help open access to technology for more students around the country.” With major laptop manufacturers entering into the chromebook market in addition to the increasing cloud-based networks, the future seems to be bright for Chromebooks.

Limitations of Chromebooks

A Chromebook is only suitable for people who simply browse the web, send emails and interact on social media and perform basic office tasks. While the device is cheap and affordable, the functionality is limited. You cannot install traditional software. If you need to work on word documents or graphic programs, you have to go for a traditional laptop[14]. The limited interconnection with MSOffice[15] is a major drawback. Though you can open them in google docs, working in full fledging is not possible. Connecting a direct printer is not possible[16] as well. However, you can use Google Cloud to print wirelessly. There are no optical drives to run CDs and DVDs. You have limited models to choose from. Another major drawback is the need for internet connectivity. Though there are native apps that can be opened offline, you need a good internet connection to make the most out of it. Skype is not available too.

Parallels Remote Application Server and Chromebooks

During this Article we have discuss about the vantage of Chromebook and how it will be takes the lead in the next years, but we still have to answer the question how chromebook will support the businesses, considering the about 95% are still using MS Office[17]. Parallels Remote Application Server is the right answer for this dilemma, as a matter of fact you can use your chromebook enjoying all the advantages we have review before, but at the same time continue to use on your chromebook all the applications you need for your business, Ms Office in primis. How it works it quite simple, Parallels Software allows to access to a pool of business applications on any device and wherever you are, the end user has just to click on the icon to work on the Chromebook as on a normal PC.

About Parallels Remote Application Server

Parallels Remote Application Server is the most powerful tool for seamless Virtual Desktop & Application delivery. Easy to configure and install, it can be setup in less than 5 minutes. Parallels Software’s solutions offer an outstanding experience from the start. Easily deliver Windows applications hosted on hypervisors and Windows remote desktop servers to anyone anywhere using any type of operating system, computer or mobile device. By hosting applications in the private cloud, businesses will also benefit from reduced administration overhead and less help desk support and can easily control who can access such applications and ensure that everyone is using the latest and most secure version of the application.

Out of the Box BYOD Support

The Parallels Client software allows businesses to easily deliver applications and virtual desktops to all users irrelevant of the hardware and operating system they are using. The Parallels Client can run on any modern operating system such as Windows, Mac OS and Linux, and can also run on mobile devices such as smart phones and pads; therefore businesses are not limited to purchasing specific hardware or operating systems.

Easily Create an Enterprise Private Cloud

Private clouds allow organizations to centralize all data, improve the security of their network, easily protect their data and manage access through a central location. With Parallels Remote Application Server, businesses can build their own secure private cloud and scale it to their needs to provide better access to all applications and virtual desktops to every employee in the office and remote workers.

Deliver and Manage Virtual Desktops

Deliver virtual desktops hosted on hypervisors such as Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix Xen, VMWare vSphere and more to anyone anywhere using any type of operating system and hardware, including mobile devices. Parallels Remote Application Server also enables administrators to automatically create clones of a specific virtual desktop and automatically create persistent rules so that the newly cloned desktops can be used as a personal desktop.

Build your own Cloud Infrastructure

Build your own secure cloud infrastructure and deliver applications and virtual desktops to all of your users with Parallels Remote Application Server within just a few minutes. Parallels Remote Application Server enables administrators to build private clouds and benefit from centralized operations and data, thus improving the security and management of data, applications, desktops and all servers in the cloud.

Secure and Enhanced User Mobility

Allow remote workers to access all applications and their personalized desktops hosted on the private cloud easily over a secure and encrypted channel. Published applications and virtual desktops can be accessed via the Parallels Client, which can run on any operating system and mobile devices, or via the HTTPS protocol via standard HTML5 browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Increase User Mobility and Improve Productivity

Allowing remote users to access their personalized desktops and applications over a secure and encrypted channel with Parallels Remote Application Server is as easy as 1 2 3. By allowing remote users secure access to published applications and their own personalized desktops, businesses can also benefit from a boost in productivity and collaboration between the users.

Network and Cloud Security

By implementing Parallels Remote Application Server on the network and segregating all the servers from the network and the Internet in the private cloud, businesses will improve the security of their network and private cloud because all kinds of access can be controlled via a central location, the Parallels Remote Application Server. Published applications and personalized desktops can also be accessed over an SSL layer to ensure that the data between the user and the private cloud is encrypted and is not tampered with.

Easily Scale Networks and Private Clouds to Cater to Demands

As businesses grow, so do their requirements. Parallels Remote Application Server enables administrators to easily add new servers, such as Windows Remote Desktop servers and VDI Hypervisors, to be able to provide applications and virtual desktops for new employees within just minutes. With multisite support, administrators can also manage remote offices and locations via a central easy-to-use console, thus reducing the need to travel and drastically reducing costs.

Easy Management of Network, Cloud and Hardware Resources

Manage all user connections to Windows Remote Desktop Servers and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Hypervisors from an easy-to-use centralized console and automatically distribute new connections to the least busy servers in the farm with the in-built Parallels load balancer. The Parallels load balancer automatically checks the usage of each server before a new connection is initiated to ensure that there are enough resources available for an application or virtual desktop to run.

Improve the Security of your Network and Private Cloud

Parallels Remote Application Server uses Active Directory to authenticate users before allowing them to access any published application or virtual desktop. For improved security, Parallels Remote Application Server can also be integrated with third-party authentication servers, such as Safenet, or any other radius server to support two-factor authentication and one-time passwords. Therefore the Parallels Remote Application Server can also be integrated within almost any type of secure network.

High Availability with Zero Effort

By centralizing all applications and virtual desktops in the private cloud, businesses are also improving access to their services. With the Parallels Remote Application Server businesses can build high-availability solutions with almost no effort at all. Adding new gateways for redundancy purposes, or backup Parallels Remote Application Server servers for high availability, can be done with just a few mouse clicks.

Build PCI DSS Compliant Networks

Building a PCI DSS compliant network is probably the most costly and difficult procedure that businesses have to go through. Not so with Parallels Remote Application Server. With an out of the box installation of Parallels Remote Application Server, businesses can now build their own private cloud, deliver applications and protect cardholder data to be PCI DSS compliant.

About Parallels

Parallels®, a global leader in cross-platform solutions, makes it simple for customers to use and access the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. We help both businesses and individuals take advantage of the best technology out there, whether it’s Mac®, Windows®, iOS, AndroidTM, or the cloud.

Innovation and ingenuity have been the hallmarks of Parallels since our inception, with dozens of industry firsts introduced in every new release of Parallels products.

We solve complex engineering and user-experience problems so that an application’s location is irrelevant. Parallels makes it easy and cost-effective to use applications wherever they might be–local, remote, in the private datacenter, or in the cloud.

For additional information, visit www.parallels.com or contact Giorgio Bonuccelli by email at Giorgio.Bonuccelli@parallels.com, phone +356 2258 3800


Chromebooks Next Big Thing [1] Google Launches Chromebooks with Samsung and Acer http://gigaom.com/2011/05/11/google-launches-chromebooks-with-samsung-and-acer/ 

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [2]  Chromebooks Growing In Popularity: Could Google’s Web-Based Laptops Threaten Microsoft?http://www.ibtimes.com/chromebooks-growing-popularity-could-googles-web-based-laptops-threaten-microsoft-1561331

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [3] U.S. Commercial Channel Computing Device Sales Set to End 2013 with Double-Digit Growth, According to NPD https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/news/press-releases/u-s-commercial-channel-computing-device-sales-set-to-end-2013-with-double-digit-growth-according-to-npd/

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [4]  Chromebook Shipments Reach 2.1 million for 2013, and are Forecasted to Reach 11 Million Shipments Worldwide by 2019 https://www.abiresearch.com/press/chromebook-shipments-reach-21-million-for-2013-and

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [5] Introducing the next generation of  HP Chromebooks http://www8.hp.com/us/en/ads/chromebooks/overview.html  Chromebook Next Big Thing

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [6] Why 2014 might just be the year of the Google Chromebook http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/01/10/2014_chromebook_surge/

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [7] Dell Chromebook 11 for Education http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/chromebook-11/pd Chromebooks Next Big Thing [8] SonyVAIO VCC11 (Chromebook) http://www.engadget.com/products/sony/vaio/vcc11/ g Chromebooks Next Big Thing[9] Meet the new Toshiba Chromebook http://www.toshiba.com/us/chromebook-cb30 

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [10] ASUS’ Chromebook C300 is yet another well-made budget laptophttp://www.engadget.com/2014/06/03/asus-chromebook-c300-hands-on/ 

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [11] HP Announces Android-Powered SlateBook 14 Laptop http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2458814,00.asp  

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [12]Intel wants inside every Chromebook, announces slew of new models  http://tech.ca.msn.com/intel-wants-inside-every-chromebook-announces-slew-of-new-models 

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [13] Hewlett-Packard at Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference Monday, March 3, 2014 3:00 p.m. ET   Webcast Presentation http://h30261.www3.hp.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=71087&p=irol-EventDetails&EventId=5109819 

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [14] Chromebooks vs. Windows laptops http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/compare-chromebook 

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [15] Office is the only thing that can kill a Chromebook http://www.zdnet.com/office-is-the-only-thing-that-can-kill-a-chromebook-7000026494/ 

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [16] Google Chromebooks: drawbacks and limitations (part 3)http://www.people-onthego.com/blog/bid/69410/Google-Chromebooks-drawbacks-and-limitations-part-3

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [17]An Overview Why Microsoft’s Worth $42 http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2013/01/09/an-overview-why-microsofts-worth-42/  

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [18] Are Google Chromebooks the Next Big Thing in Government? http://www.fedtechmagazine.com/article/2014/01/are-google-chromebooks-next-big-thing-government

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [19] Is Google’s Chromebook the next big thing?  http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/7405/is-googles-chromebook-the-next-big-thing/

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [20] Google’s Chromebook Next Big Thing?   http://voices.yahoo.com/googles-chromebook-next-big-thing-8657185.html

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [21] The problem with new Chromebooks  http://betanews.com/2014/01/06/the-problem-with-new-chromebooks/

Chromebooks Next Big Thing [22] Microsoft’s next big headache: The Google Chromebook  http://money.cnn.com/2014/03/13/technology/google-chromebooks/