Author Archives: Vidya Nagarajan

Cloud Identity: Manage users, devices and apps in one location

Whether we’re collaborating with teammates in different parts of the world, troubleshooting client issues on location, or checking email on the way to the airport, cloud apps and mobile devices have fundamentally changed the way we work. But they’ve also changed the way businesses need to approach security.

Today, the average user works on three or more devices, and needs quick access to the business apps they rely on so they can work wherever, and whenever, they need to. At the same time, IT administrators are challenged to stay on top of an ever-evolving ecosystem of users, apps and devices.

At Google we’ve faced these challenges firsthand, and have applied what we learned from our experience managing billions of consumer and enterprise identities to bring you Cloud Identity. With Cloud Identity, employees get simple, secure access to their business-critical apps and devices, while administrators get the tools they need to manage it all in one unified location.

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Simple access for users, simple control for administrators

Cloud Identity gives people simple, one-click access to the apps they need so they can work from anywhere, on any device. This means employees can focus on their work, while admins can manage identities, associated apps and devices at scale from one integrated console as people join, move within, and leave an organization.

Cloud Identity’s single sign-on supports SAML 2.0 and OpenID, and works with hundreds of applications out of the box, including Salesforce, SAP SuccessFactors and Box as well as G Suite apps like Docs or Drive. And for organizations using GCP resources, Cloud Identity provides additional controls for managing users and groups across their hybrid on-premises and cloud infrastructures.

Work anywhere, secure everywhere

Gone are the days when employees worked from one computer at their office to get the job done. Today, they need the freedom to work from anywhere, and understanding that context—what they need to do, where, and with what device—is what should guide enterprise access. Having the right mobile device and application management posture for this is paramount.

Cloud Identity includes robust mobile device management for Android and iOS with many features like account wipe and passcode enforcement automatically enabled for users. Admins can use one integrated console to implement screen locks, find devices , enforce two-step verification and phishing-resistant security keys, and manage Chrome Browser usage. They also get security reports and analytics for things like suspicious logins, user activity reports and audits, and logins to third-party apps, sites and extensions.

Integration partners like Salesforce have told us they’ve benefited from these additional security postures. “With the combination of the Salesforce Platform and Cloud Identity's robust support for Security Keys and Chrome management, companies can focus on delivering customer success with confidence that they're providing the right service, to the right user, at the right time,” says Chuck Mortimore, SVP of Identity & Security Product Management at Salesforce.


Open standards, open ecosystem

Because of Google’s commitment to open standards in the security space, Cloud Identity was built to be open. It’s easy for customers to seamlessly integrate other cloud and on-premises directories with Cloud Identity. We’re also continuing to work with our strong ecosystem of identity partners so that customers can choose the best solutions to meet their requirements across hybrid-deployments.

We’re a team of six, but Cloud Identity helps us manage our identity lifecycle management at scale. Daniel Tehrani
VP of Information Technology at HealthChannels

All the functionality you need in one license

Cloud Identity was built to give enterprises all the functionality they need right out of the box. That means businesses have the right tools to protect their users, devices and data all in one place—without needing to add other solutions or licenses.

Over the past few months, we’ve worked with a broad range of customers, such as ExtraHop Networks and HealthChannels, to help them meet their identity needs.

“At HealthChannels, we help dynamically staff 15,000+ medical scribes at hospitals and doctor’s offices,” says Daniel Tehrani, Vice President of Information Technology at HealthChannels. “That means onboarding, moving and offboarding hundreds of people in a given month, while maintaining visibility and control over the applications they have access to. We’re a team of six, but Cloud Identity helps us manage our identity lifecycle management at scale.”

Cloud Identity is available today. If you're interested in learning more, read our docs and solutions, or visit cloud.google.com/identity and sign up for a 14-day trial.

Chrome expands business opportunities with Android Kiosk apps and improved device management

Over time, we’ve continued to create new and better ways to use Chrome devices. What started out as a secure, quick and shareable consumer laptop built on the Chrome browser has expanded to digital signage, now used in thousands of Toyota showrooms, small computing sticks called Chromebits, and kiosk devices that securely provide single use apps for both business employees and customers.

We’re continuing to invest in Chrome through recently launched hardware, more Chrome device management controls and the introduction of Android Kiosk apps on devices that support them. Many kiosk devices already rely on Android applications, so the addition of Android kiosk apps on Chrome is a natural expansion. It also broadens the possibilities for digital signs and kiosks on Chrome devices, providing the option of either a web or Android app approach.

Chrome version 57, coming soon, adds this support for Android kiosk apps as well as for kiosk application management. An app in Google Play can be pushed to a Chrome device and then be locked down so that the application is front and center.

That means an IT admin has the flexibility to install either Chrome Kiosk apps or Android Kiosk apps on managed devices through the Chrome Management console, which decreases deployment time and effort. Additionally, with Public Session Kiosks, an IT admin has the ability to install many more Chrome packaged apps and extensions in addition to hosted apps.

Kiosk app management

We’re also making it easier to manage Chrome devices with two additional developments.

First, we’re making it simple for you to sign up for a Chrome kiosk, doing away with complex domain registration and verification steps. Your name, email address and phone number is all you need to sign up and manage your devices. With this feature, we also provide two trial licenses so that you can get started immediately. Click here to learn more.

Second, we’re launching a new Chrome Device Management (CDM) APIs for Kiosks. These APIs offer programmatic access to various Kiosk policies. IT admins can schedule a device reboot through the new APIs, for example, and integrate that functionality directly in a third party console. Additionally, we added a new stability API that allows Kiosk app developers to improve the reliability of the application and the system.

Many Chrome devices can take full advantage of these new features including the recently launched AOPEN Chromebox mini and Chromebase mini.

CrowdDJ Android app on Chromebase mini

Chromebase mini is a full computing device with 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is ideal for customer-facing applications, even those that are Android-based. Australia-based Nightlife Music, for example, installs its crowdDJ Android app on these kiosk devices at dance clubs, gyms, hotels and other venues, letting customers control the beat. When paired with a display, the AOPEN Chromebox mini also creates a compelling digital sign with Chrome and Android kiosk apps.

To learn more about the many new Chrome 57 features and see the AOPEN devices that can help build your business, come visit our booth at Next 2017 this week or visit this page for additional information.

Chrome expands business opportunities with Android Kiosk apps and improved device management

Over time, we’ve continued to create new and better ways to use Chrome devices. What started out as a secure, quick and shareable consumer laptop built on the Chrome browser has expanded to digital signage, now used in thousands of Toyota showrooms, small computing sticks called Chromebits, and kiosk devices that securely provide single use apps for both business employees and customers.

We’re continuing to invest in Chrome through recently launched hardware, more Chrome device management controls and the introduction of Android Kiosk apps on devices that support them. Many kiosk devices already rely on Android applications, so the addition of Android kiosk apps on Chrome is a natural expansion. It also broadens the possibilities for digital signs and kiosks on Chrome devices, providing the option of either a web or Android app approach.

Chrome version 57, coming soon, adds this support for Android kiosk apps as well as for kiosk application management. An app in Google Play can be pushed to a Chrome device and then be locked down so that the application is front and center.

That means an IT admin has the flexibility to install either Chrome Kiosk apps or Android Kiosk apps on managed devices through the Chrome Management console, which decreases deployment time and effort. Additionally, with Public Session Kiosks, an IT admin has the ability to install many more Chrome packaged apps and extensions in addition to hosted apps.

Kiosk app management

We’re also making it easier to manage Chrome devices with two additional developments.

First, we’re making it simple for you to sign up for a Chrome kiosk, doing away with complex domain registration and verification steps. Your name, email address and phone number is all you need to sign up and manage your devices. With this feature, we also provide two trial licenses so that you can get started immediately. Click here to learn more.

Second, we’re launching new Chrome Device Management (CDM) APIs for Kiosks. These APIs offer programmatic access to various Kiosk policies. IT admins can schedule a device reboot through the new APIs, for example, and integrate that functionality directly in a third party console. Additionally, we added a new stability API that allows Kiosk app developers to improve the reliability of the application and the system.

Many Chrome devices can take full advantage of these new features including the recently launched AOPEN Chromebox Mini and Chromebase Mini.

CrowdDJ Android app on Chromebase mini

Chromebase Mini is a full computing device with 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is ideal for customer-facing applications, even those that are Android-based. Australia-based Nightlife Music, for example, installs its crowdDJ Android app on these kiosk devices at dance clubs, gyms, hotels and other venues, letting customers control the beat. When paired with a display, the AOPEN Chromebox Mini also creates a compelling digital sign with Chrome and Android kiosk apps.

To learn more about the many new Chrome 57 features and see the AOPEN devices that can help build your business, come visit our booth at Next 2017 this week or visit this page for additional information.

Chromebase for meetings makes video-conferencing personal and simple

Since we introduced Chromebox for meetings just over two years ago, many of you have enjoyed how our devices make meetings simple and easy. Companies such as Flipkart, PwC, Pinterest and the State of Wyoming are spending less time setting up their conference calls and more time collaborating as groups across regions in rooms of all sizes with Chromebox for meetings.

Today we’re making this easy collaboration available in smaller spaces and also improving remote device management. Say hello to the Acer Chromebase for meetings, an all-in-one secure video-conferencing device optimized for use in small meeting areas with up to two people. It's a secure, self updating, easy to manage unit that builds on Chrome and WebRTC innovations for sharper video, audio and screen sharing. Guest account support makes it simple to join a meeting even without a Google account: Just click a meeting link invitation and you’re connected.

Meet from more places, with more participants

So now, you can collaborate and meet over video from a dedicated device at home, your desk at work or a phone room. And since meeting in smaller spaces creates additional opportunity to work together across larger groups, we've also recently expanded the number of meeting participants to 25 people for Google Apps customers. After testing Chromebase for meetings in its offices, SignalFx sees the benefits. 


“Using Chromebase for meetings has been an amazing experience from the start! Right out of the box, it's easy to use and lets us collaborate quickly. The centralized management option allows for full control and oversight, and the price is amazing as well." — Heidi Olson, Executive Assistant / Office Manager, SignalFx 

Chromebase for meetings gets technology out of the way; just plug it in, connect it to your network and you’re up and running securely. 

[edu] chromebase
Chromebase for meetings is ideally suited for capturing audio and video in personal and shared workspaces:
  • Large 24-inch adjustable touchscreen display
  • Integrated, adjustable HD camera
  • 4 microphones and 2 stereo speakers

Improved management tools for meeting devices

We're also happy to announce new features to our remote fleet management tools. Administrators can receive alert notifications and track health of their fleet of Chrome devices for meetings. They can remotely diagnose and troubleshoot audio, video quality and bandwidth problems. Administrators can also customize the interface using their own background images.

Chromebase for meetings availability

Chromebase for meetings is available at $799 from our partners in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland and Australia. The cost includes the first year’s management and support fees. We'll soon after expand availability to additional countries where Chromebox for meetings is available today. You can learn more about Chromebase for meetings on our website. Sign up here to try two Chromebase for meetings devices at no cost for 30 days and receive a special promotion pricing of $549 per device with first year’s management and support fee included.*

 *Subject to approval and limited to the first 1,000 signups 

Source: Google Chrome