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Countdown to The End of Chrome Apps

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Change is the only constant in the cloud world, and Google is entering the final stages of a major transition. Google will phase out Chrome Apps in favor of modern Web Apps.

If your organization does not use Chrome Apps in your environment, you can safely disregard this update. However, if you rely on them for kiosks, digital signage, or user sessions, it is time for you to review the discontinuation timelines.

Although Google first announced the end of support for Chrome Apps back in 2016, and later extended support for Enterprise and Education customers through January 2025, the final deadlines are now locked in.

This timeline applies to all Chrome Apps, including Legacy (v1) packaged apps, Hosted apps, and self-hosted Chrome Apps.Connect with a Cloud Advisor

The Final Discontinuation Timeline

With most developers and users already migrated away from Chrome Apps, the final schedule is rolling out across the following milestones:

  • July 2026 (Scheduled for ChromeOS M150):
    • This is the last ChromeOS release that supports Chrome Apps in Kiosk Mode.
    • Devices on the Long-Term Support (LTS) channel will receive support for Chrome Apps in Kiosk Mode until April 2027.
    • The Chrome Sign Builder app will no longer be supported at the end of the M150 LTS cycle in April 2027.
  • February 2027 (Scheduled for ChromeOS M160):
    • ChromeOS will disable admin-installed Chrome Apps in Managed Guest Sessions (MGS) and user sessions by default.
    • Admins will be required to manually set a policy to re-enable them.
  • February 2028 (Scheduled for ChromeOS M184):
    • This is the last ChromeOS release to support Chrome Apps, marking the official end of life for the platform.
    • Devices on the LTS channel can continue using them until October 2028. Google will grant no exceptions.

What You Need to Do: A 3-Step Action Plan

To ensure a smooth transition and avoid workflow disruptions, Google advises taking the following steps:

1. Audit Your Fleet

Identify exactly which apps are configured in your ecosystem:

  • Log into the Google Admin console
  • Navigate to Devices > Chrome > Apps & Extensions
  • Click + Search or add a filter, select Type, and choose Chrome

Note: This filtered list will display both Chrome Apps and Chrome extensions. Only Chrome Apps are being discontinued; your extensions will remain unaffected. Look for built-in warnings within the Admin console to help identify force-installed Chrome Apps that require immediate attention.

2. Engage with Developers

Contact your third-party app developers immediately to discuss their Chrome App migration options. Google has advised developers to communicate their transition plans directly to their customers.

3. Plan Your Migration

Begin transitioning any in-house or critical workflows away from Chrome Apps and toward alternative solutions, such as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).

Help is Here

Transitioning legacy tools requires careful planning, but you do not have to manage it alone. Contact us or meet with a Cloud Advisor to ensure a seamless, compliant transition.

About the Author

Allen Falcon is the co-founder and CEO of Cumulus Global.  Allen co-founded Cumulus Global in 2006 to offer small businesses enterprise-grade email security and compliance using emerging cloud solutions. He has led the company’s growth into a managed cloud service provider with over 1,000 customers throughout North America.

Chrome and Google EDU Related Services

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We understand that a sustainable Chrome device program requires planning and execution. Our Chrome related services and Google EDU Partner services help lift the burden. From concept and acquisition, through life cycle management and disposition, we can save you time and lower your total cost of ownership.

ChromeCycle Services

Looking to buy? Our purchase pre-registration services can secure discounts and ensure your units are available when you need them to arrive.

Have devices you no longer need? We can take them as trade-ins or buy them from you.

We designed our ChromeCycle services to reduce your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and improve the sustainability of your Chrome device program. ChromeCycle services cover your administrative, technical, and business needs for the full technology lifecycle for classroom/lab, 1:1, and BYOD initiatives.

With ChromeCycle, you can offload administrative time and lower costs:

  • Acquisition
  • Asset Lifecycle Management
  • BYOD Support
  • Disposition
  • Infrastructure Services
  • Protection Plans
  • Accessories
  • Custom “White Glove” Services

Learn more …

Google EDU Partner Services

Google for EDU Partner Services is a free set of services open to K-12 schools and districts, and small higher education institutions. The services are designed to help you get the most value from your use of G Suite for Education, G Suite Enterprise for Education, and Chrome devices.

By identifying Cumulus Global as your Google for Education Partner, you get:

  • Our Basic Services package and SLA
  • Automatic Savings for Chrome management and value-add services
  • Access to our ChromeCycle services

Learn More …

 

Chromebook Market Update

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Google for Education PartnerWith the onset of COVID-19, schools and districts scrambled to move to remote and hybrid learning models. Demand for Chromebooks, netbooks, cameras, and other accessories skyrocketed. At the same time, the pandemic severely disrupted the supply chains. Manufactures struggled to get components from suppliers, to staff and run their assembly lines, and to ship product to customers.

Schools that waited to order Chromebooks and other devices sat on waiting lists for backorders. Some districts have yet to receive all of their devices.

Market Outlook

While many parts of Asia are emerging from the pandemic ahead of the United States, we still see significant potential challenges with Chromebook and netbook availability this spring and summer.

  • Supply is still limited. The supply chain for parts, assembly, and delivery are not fully back to normal.  While most assembly plants are back in operation, many are still operating at reduced occupancy and capacity. Additionally, backlogs for components still exist as the supply chain struggles to recover.
  • Demand will be up. We expect a significant increase in demand for Chromebooks as districts unable to purchase enough new devices in 2020 now have a larger, pent-up demand. Some districts kept older models in service beyond their planned refresh cycle. Other districts still lack the number of devices they need for 1:1 learning.

Recommendation

Given the supply and demand dynamics, we strongly urge schools to initiate your Chromebook ordering process early. Specifically you should:

  • Have us pre-register your intended purchase with your preferred manufacturer, for your preferred models.
    • With pre-registration, we can often negotiate better pricing.
    • You are also more likely to be assigned your allocation of units, increasing the likelihood of timely delivery.
  • Have us bid specs to multiple vendors, if you do not have a preferred make and/or model.
    • This process creates price and availability competition, which can work to your benefit.
  • Order Chrome Education Upgrade licenses.
    • Avoid March 9, 2021 price increase.
  • Prepare to issue Purchase Orders by the end of February or mid-March.
    • In 2020, all of the schools that ordered before mid-March received their devices in time for the fall term.

Contact us for more information, to discuss your needs, or to request quote.

Learn more about our Google for Education and ChromeCycle services.

Chrome Education Upgrade – Price Increase

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ChromeOn March 9, 2021, the list price for Chrome Education Upgrade (aka Chrome Management License/Service) will increase from $30 per device to $38 per device. As key component of your Google for Education services, this price increase may significantly impact your budget.

If you are planning on purchasing Chrome devices this spring, or for the 2021/2022 school year, you can:

  1. Purchase your Chrome Education Upgrade licenses now:
    • Take advantage of Cumulus Global savings
    • 10%, or more, off the current $30/device price
  2. Add the licenses to our G Suite for Education or G Suite Enterprise for Education subscription
  3. Apply the licenses to your Chrome devices as you purchase, receive, and deploy them

Contact us for more information or to request quote.

 

Managing Chrome the Education Upgrade Price Increase

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On January 22, 2020, Google is informing all Chrome Education Upgrade (aka Chrome Management Service) users that that perpetual per-device license price is increasing from $30 to $38 dollars, effective March 9, 2020.

While Google is not unreasonable in raising prices to ensure continued innovation and feature expansion, the timing of the increase is problematic for many schools.  With fiscal years starting July 1, schools and districts have drafted or completed their budgets for the upcoming year.  The timing of the increase impacts purchases planned for the end of this fiscal/school year as well.

Cumulus Global will help you manage the price increase.

You can order your Chrome Education Upgrade / Management licenses now, before the price increase.  Based on your quantity, we are offering discounts up to 10% or more off the current $30 price.  If you are unable to purchase the licenses now, you can also request a binding quote and receive similar discounts off the $38 price through August 31, 2020.

Please complete the form, below, and request your quote.

Request your quote …

5 Ways We Can Lower Your Chrome Device Costs

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As part of our ChromeCycle Program, we help you manage the total cost of ownership of your Chrome devices.

Here are five (5) ways we can lower the purchase cost for your next round of Chrome devices.

1. Preregister Your Purchase:

We can often secure preferred pricing when we preregister your intended purchase with your preferred Chrome device manufacturer. Letting your manufacturer know now how many units you plan to buy later helps them plan production and distribution. Some of those savings come back to you.

3. Competitive Bidding:

If you do not have a preferred Chrome device manufacturer, we can bid your intended purchased out across manufacturers and distributors to obtain the best purchase price possible.

3. Trade-In: 

Trading in devices at the end of their life cycle can lower the cost of refreshing your devices by as much as 20%. We can estimate trade-in value now, to help with your budgets for purchases later in the year

4. Buy-Back:

Even if you are not buying your refresh fleet from us, we can buy back devices you are retiring. The international market for used devices and parts can save you money.

5. Financing Services:

We work with multiple finance partners to offer both finance and fair market value leasing options. We can put your purchase financing out to bid to help get the best rate and terms possible.

Chrome Device Costs

Chrome devices are typically sold with a license included, which provides access to the Chrome operating system and management console. However, if you need to purchase additional licenses for your organization, the cost can vary depending on the type of license and the number of devices you need to license.

There are two main types of Chrome device licenses:

  1. Chrome Enterprise Upgrade: This license provides access to additional features and management tools, such as enhanced security, access to the Chrome Web Store, and support for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). The cost for the Chrome Enterprise Upgrade license is $50 per device per year.
  2. Chrome Education Upgrade: This license is designed for educational institutions and provides additional features tailored to the needs of students and educators, such as Google Classroom integration and content filtering. The cost for the Chrome Education Upgrade license is $30 per device per year.

When you sign up for a Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, you will get a free 30-day trail. Final prices are subject to change, and may vary by region. Please contact us if you have any questions about the specific pricing available in your area, and to best determine how much value a Chrome Enterprise upgrade will have for your unique situation.

Click here to learn more about our ChromeCycle services, or contact us for a no-obligation Cloud Advisor consultation.

 

Chrome Device Lifecycle Update

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Like any hardware, Chrome devices have a useful life.  Per Google’s policies:

  • Every Chrome device receives regular updates from Google until it reaches its Auto Update Expiration (“AUE”) date, subject to support from component manufacturers. When a device reaches AUE, automatic software updates from Google will no longer be provided.

  • Chrome devices that have not reached their AUE date will continue to receive OS updates and function with Chrome Education Upgrade and Chrome Enterprise Upgrade (a.k.a Chrome management licensing). After the AUE date is reached, existing and future policies may not work as intended, and technical support will not be provided.

  • Google will publish a model’s AUE date after its release, giving buyers time to make purchase decisions. Please check the AUE date when making a purchasing decision.

For your convenience, we are providing a link to Google’s Chrome Device Auto Update Policy here on our site.

Don’t Lose It, Use It (for PD)

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Mobius TPD Icon
June has arrived and the 2014-2015 school year is almost at a close. Now it is time to turn our attention on the summer and beyond. As the next academic year approaches, it’s important to consider how to continue improving the classroom experience and incorporate techniques that appeal to a wide range of learning styles.

As always, here at Cumulus Global we are ready and excited to help with any technology needs you might have, but we are sensitive to the fact that budget can be an issue. So, to celebrate the end of this school year and to welcome in the next, we are offering special pricing on our Professional Development and Training services.

For a limited time, you can save money with prepaid professional development services.

20% off on-site or live web training sessions

  • Full Day On Site Training – $1995 now $1,596
  • One Web-Based Session – $695 now $556
  • Series of Three Web-Based Sessions – $1925 now $1,540
  • Series of Six Web-Based Sessions – $3,500 now $2,800

10% off our Professional Development planning services

  • Basic Professional Development Plan – $995 now $895
  • Full Professional Development Plan – $1,995 now $1,795

A great opportunity for surplus funds, you can use your prepaid services anytime during the 2015/2016 fiscal year (subject to availability of a Certified Google Apps for Education Instructor).

For more information or to discuss your options, please contact us or fill in the form, below.

Chrome Support for Windows XP Ends

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As announced by Google in October, 2013, Chrome support for Windows XP will end on April 30, 2015 — a full year after Microsoft discontinued support for the Windows XP operating system.

This means:

  • Chrome will continue to function on Windows XP, but no new features will be added.  Chrome will continue to get updates on Windows XP until (at least) the end of 2015.
  • Google will no longer provide Google for Work support for any issue related to Chrome on Windows XP, including Google Apps for Work, Education, and Government. If you have an issue on an XP machine with Chrome, you will need to reproduce the issue on a supported platform to receive support.

That fact that Google will still provide updates, means Chrome users on Windows XP systems will continue to have a secure and reliable browser, with some additional time to move to a supported platform.

 

 

 

Chrome Extensions, from Google, for the Google Apps User

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We are often asked which Chrome extensions we like and recommend for use with Google Apps. While extensions often relate to third party applications and services, here are several extensions from Google we install for most implementations:

  • Application Launcher for Drive
  • Chrome Remote Desktop
  • Docs PDF/PowerPoint Viewer
  • Google Calendar Checker (for some)
  • Google Docs
  • Google Docs Viewer
  • Google Keep (if the user uses Keep)
  • Google+ Notifications
  • Hangouts
  • Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides
  • Save to Google Drive
  • Send from Gmail

These can be added by users or configured and pushed out using the Chrome Management service within the Google Apps Admin Console.

If you want assistance managing chrome extensions and other applications through the admin console, please contact our Service Team.