Following the success of their partnership last year, Google has announced that it has acquired Cameyo, thereby enabling virtualised Windows apps to be integrated into ChromeOS. 

Why? 

Google says that its research (such as a new Forrester study) has highlighted a “fundamental shift in how businesses operate”. Google says that businesses are now turning to “web-based applications” to unlock significant advantages over their competitors, such as “security, reduced costs, and enhanced user experiences”. The Forrester study referenced by Google shows for example that “90 per cent of IT respondents envision a world where applications reside in the cloud, not on the desktop” and that “seventy-eight percent of respondents indicated that companies that don’t embrace the web will be left behind”. 

Cameyo? 

Cameyo, a US-based company, formed in 2018, specialises in virtual application delivery, i.e. they create software solutions that enable users to access Windows and internal web applications securely from the cloud, from any device, to help facilitate remote work and enhance productivity. For example, their technology means that Windows apps can be virtualised so that they can run on non-Windows machines and within web browsers. Cameyo essentially virtualises apps (such as popular Windows apps) and then serves them from a public cloud (like AWS), or a private cloud, alternatively an on-premises data-centre, or perhaps a hybrid cloud environment. 

Last Year’s Partnership Leads To Acquisition This Year 

Last year’s partnership between Cameyo and Google led to the launch of a “seamless virtual application delivery experience fully integrated with ChromeOS”. This means that Cameyo’s technology has enabled virtual Windows apps to be integrated within (and run within) Google’s ChromeOS. This enabled local file system integration and the ability to deliver virtual apps as progressive web apps (PWAs) and enhanced clipboard support, providing improved functionality for copying and pasting text, images, or other data between different applications or environments (between virtual or remote desktop environments).  

Google said the partnership was “incredibly successful” and has now announced that as a result, it has acquired Cameyo. 

How This Helps Businesses 

For Business users of the ChromeOS, the acquisition of Cameyo and the integration of its technology with ChromeOS could help them accelerate their adoption of web-based technology by: 

– Simplifying application deployment. Virtualised apps can, for example, be easily deployed and accessed across the business, regardless of device or location. This means ChromeOS users can get greater access to Windows apps without the hassle of complex installations or updates. It also gets around the issue of half of apps still suffering the limitations of being client-based (Forrester). 

– Enhancing security. Google says both ChromeOS and Cameyo provide “zero trust security”, and together deliver deep protection of data and systems from vulnerabilities. 

– Improving productivity. By using virtual cloud-based apps, employees can access the apps they need quickly and easily as a PWA directly from the ChromeOS shelf (a taskbar at the bottom of the ChromeOS screen), without the frustration of compatibility issues, slow performance, or virtual desktops to navigate. 

– Reducing IT costs. The streamlining of application management, support processes, and the removing infrastructure requirements may translate to significant cost savings over time. 

What Will The Move Do For Google? 

The move by Google to gain control of the integration of Cameyo’s technology (by acquiring Cameyo) is likely to help Google make its ChromeOS more attractive to the lucrative business and education markets by simplifying access to their most used apps, whether they work with Windows and ChromeOS, or they move away from Windows. It will also mean that Google owning Cameyo will keep its technology out of the hands of competitors, thereby giving Google a competitive advantage. 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

Google’s acquisition of Cameyo could bring substantial benefits to both companies and their users. For Google, integrating Cameyo’s virtual application delivery technology into ChromeOS could strengthen its position in the business and education markets. By enabling seamless access to Windows applications on ChromeOS, Google will make its platform more versatile and appealing to organisations that rely on a mix of web-based and legacy applications. This move may not only enhance ChromeOS’s functionality but also align with the growing trend towards cloud-based applications, reinforcing Google’s commitment to innovation and flexibility in the workplace. 

For Cameyo, becoming part of Google will mean an expanded reach and the resources to further develop and enhance its technology. The integration into Google’s ecosystem will provide Cameyo with a broader platform to demonstrate the value of its virtual application delivery solutions, potentially reaching millions of new users. This acquisition will likely accelerate Cameyo’s growth and innovation, allowing them to leverage Google’s extensive infrastructure and market presence. 

Business users of ChromeOS are likely to experience significant advantages from this acquisition. The ability to access virtualised Windows applications directly from ChromeOS simplifies application deployment and management. This means businesses can avoid the complexities of traditional software installations and updates, leading to smoother operations and reduced IT overheads. Enhanced security through zero-trust frameworks ensures that data and systems are better protected, addressing one of the primary concerns of modern enterprises. 

Also, the improved productivity facilitated by Cameyo’s technology allows employees to work more efficiently. They can access necessary applications quickly, without compatibility issues or performance slowdowns. This ease of access is further supported by features like enhanced clipboard support and integration with the ChromeOS shelf, making everyday tasks perhaps more seamless and intuitive. 

Ultimately, the acquisition appears to be a potential strategic win for Google, Cameyo, and business users alike. It represents a step towards a more integrated, secure, and productive work environment, leveraging the strengths of both cloud-based and legacy applications. As businesses continue to evolve and embrace digital transformation, the combined capabilities of Google and Cameyo could help provide another way to boost future growth and innovation.