Google enlists Citrix to bring Windows apps to Chromebooks

Citrix has partnered with Google to push business-critical Windows apps to Chromebooks.

The search giant claims enterprises are increasingly coming round to the charms of Chromebooks, but still need access to line-of-business Windows apps.

To get round this Google has enlisted the help of virtualisation player Citrix, along with its XenApp app delivery system and Citrix Receiver for HTML 5, to allow business users to push out these business-critical apps to Chromebooks.

"Enterprises have been steadily adopting Google Chromebooks as an easy-to-use and cost-effective alternative to traditional computing platorms," said Amit Singh, president of Google Enterprise.

"The approaching Windows XP end-of-life brings a tremendous opportunity for organisations of all types to rethink their approach to computing and transition to Chromebooks for improved manageability, security and cost savings."

Google is sweetening the deal with discounts for adopters. Buy from Chromebooks for Business and you can get $100 off for every managed device, for example.

Citrix also added more collaboration support with GoToMeeting Free, a web app that allows video conferencing for Chromebook users.

Both companies explicitly advise businesses to migrate to Chromebooks from Windows XP, extended support for which ceased yesterday. Google's laptops are cheaper, don't require a Windows license, and can run Windows apps through Citrix and VMware.

IT Pro reviewed the Samsung Chromebook last year and found running Citrix apps on Chrome OS to be highly dependent on your internet connection.