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Citrix, Google offer new Receiver for Chrome

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 01 Sept 2014

Citrix and Google have extended their relationship with the unveiling of a new Receiver for Chrome, which the companies say offers improved user experience.

A Chromebook is a laptop running Chrome OS as its operating system. The devices are designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data residing in the cloud.

Citrix Receiver is a client software that provides access to XenDesktop and XenApp installations. With this download, users can access applications, desktops and data from any device, including smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs.

According to market research firm Gartner, by 2017, sales of Chromebooks are set to nearly triple to reach 14.4 million units. In 2014, the sales stand at 5.2 million, Gartner says. The firm explains that as the PC market is no longer growing strongly, vendors are searching for new business opportunities. They rolled out Chromebooks to revive interest in sub-$300 portable PCs once the netbook bubble had burst, it adds.

Citrix and Google believe that a rapidly growing number of consumers will be looking for a way to leverage the enterprise cloud computing capabilities of the device and services, while still accessing critical line-of-business apps that they rely on today.

Although HTML5-based solutions, such as Citrix Receiver for HTML5, will work on Chrome OS and offer browser-based access to virtual apps and desktops without any download or installation of client software, the Receiver for Chrome provides direct integration to functionality specific to Chromebooks.

These features include the ability to integrate with Google Cloud Print, audio and video playback, assignment of a unique Receiver ID to each device for monitoring, Clipboard integration across remote and local applications, end-user experience monitoring with HDX Insight and direct SSL connections.

The companies believe CIOs and IT managers benefit from the Citrix-Google relationship by gaining the ability to securely deliver virtual desktops, apps and IT services over any network and from any cloud, including private, public or hybrid environments.

"Chromebooks continue to do well in business, whether customers are already fully in the cloud or they need a little help from our friends at Citrix," says Google's Rajen Sheth, director of product management, Chrome for Business and Education.

"Many vertical industries like healthcare and finance have complex requirements around security and compliance, and all businesses need robust manageability, which is why Chromebooks appeal to a broad range of IT folks at Citrix customers."

According to Calvin Hsu, VP for product marketing, Desktop and Apps at Citrix, the companies are changing the way people work.

"In addition to the joint collaboration around XenApp and XenDesktop with Chromebooks, Citrix ShareFile features a personal cloud connector for accessing Google Drive files, Citrix GoToMeeting Free is now available on Chrome, and Citrix Podio is integrated with Google Apps. Google and Citrix are committed to continued innovation across our product lines to bring best-in-class mobile workspaces to our customers," Hsu concludes.

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