Google Enhances Chrome Browser For Business

Google has introduced two new features for its popular Chrome browser that help tailor it to business needs.

The new cloud-based management tool for Apps for Business and Education customers enables administrators to set default applications, themes, or a curated app store for any Chrome work account.

Google has also added a feature called Legacy Browser Support that automatically switches to an alternative browser when a user runs older web applications.

Browser for work

Chrome for Business is a Google programme that helps deploy its browser in the workplace in a controlled, secure manner. It is especially useful for companies that rely on products like Gmail, Google Docs and Google Calendar.

Using Chrome for Business enables centralised cross-platform management of each browser’s extensions and plugins, and lets customers to run their own app stores.

Since Wednesday, these management tools are available online, in the cloud. IT administrators can now customise more than 100 Chrome policies and preferences for their employees right from the Google Admin panel.

“Whether employees are working from the company’s desktop or their personal laptop, they will be able to access default applications, custom themes, or a curated app web store when they sign-in to Chrome with their work account,” Cyrus Mistry, senior product manager at Chrome for Business and Education, wrote on the Google Enterprise blog.

Currently, even customers who don’t use Google Apps can try the cloud-based Chrome management tools, but they have to go through a separate registration process.

Even though Google would want everyone to use Chrome, it understands that many businesses still use decade-old web applications. With Legacy Browser Support, IT managers can set policies that define which apps should launch from Chrome into an alternative browser.

“While Chrome Frame helps developers build apps for older browsers, Legacy Browser Support lets IT admins of organizations embrace the modern web,” explained Mistry.

Google has recently launched another set of tools, designed to help users of its products stay in control of their data, even after death.

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