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Your Command Center: Navigating the Pro Dashboard of the ChromeOS Readiness Tool
June 19, 2025

Your Command Center: Navigating the Pro Dashboard of the ChromeOS Readiness Tool

In an era of rapid digital transformation, understanding how ready your organization is to transition to ChromeOS is vital. The Pro Dashboard of the ChromeOS Readiness Tool acts as your centralized control panel, equipping IT teams with deep visibility into readiness metrics and enabling data driven decisions for a seamless migration.

Access to this dashboard begins with a secure login via a dedicated web URL using a Google account. To ensure data integrity and confidentiality, users must also enter the private key generated during deployment. This step restricts dashboard access to the administrator who initiated the deployment, ensuring the security of the organization’s readiness details. 

Once authenticated, the dashboard opens with a Company Readiness Overview, providing a visual summary of your organization’s ChromeOS compatibility. This includes key metrics such as domain coverage, device readiness, and Chrome ready application percentages, all displayed through interactive charts and percentages. This high-level view offers a clear snapshot of migration progress and areas needing attention.

From there, you can explore more granular insights into both application and device readiness. The Most Used Applications section identifies commonly accessed apps, separating those running in the foreground from background processes and flags their readiness status. This enables IT teams to identify which applications may need to be replaced, virtualized, or re-evaluated.

For more localized insights, the dashboard also offers a breakdown of readiness data by individual domains. Here, you can assess device distribution and app compatibility across business units, making it easier to coordinate staged migrations.

The Devices section enables a domain-specific drill-down, listing each device along with its ChromeOS Flex readiness status and detailed application assessments. Users can apply filters to sort devices by readiness state or dive deeper into individual app performance. Similarly, the Peripheral section provides device-level details about peripheral compatibility, comparing the readiness status of core devices and accessories through a clean visual layout. Additional tables display peripheral readiness by device name, offering sort and filter capabilities for efficient analysis.

To support broader planning and governance, the Pro Dashboard includes powerful supplementary tools. The Browser Insights feature delivers a comprehensive view of browser usage, installed extensions, and versioning across the organization. Importantly, this feature activates only with administrator consent, maintaining transparency and control over data collection.

Another valuable component is the Virtualization section, recently introduced to guide teams in identifying apps that may be candidates for virtualization, particularly with solutions like Cameyo. This section highlights “Possibly Ready” and “Blocker” applications and provides direct recommendations for virtualization where applicable. Helpful tooltips explain which applications are not compatible or still under evaluation, adding context for informed decision-making.

Beyond visibility and planning, the Pro Dashboard also encourages proactive management. IT teams can submit feedback or report issues directly through the interface, supporting continuous improvement of the tool based on real-world usage.

With its intuitive layout, robust analytics, and secure access protocols, the Pro Dashboard positions itself as an essential asset for any IT team leading a ChromeOS migration. Whether you're evaluating thousands of devices or just beginning your readiness assessment, this dashboard ensures you have the insight, control, and confidence to manage your digital transformation effectively.

Partnering for Success: Maximizing the ChromeOS Readiness Tool Partner Dashboard for Customer Assessments
June 18, 2025

Partnering for Success: Maximizing the ChromeOS Readiness Tool Partner Dashboard for Customer Assessments

In today’s fast growing digital landscape, technology partners play a vital role in supporting organizations through major IT transformations, such as migrating to ChromeOS. The ChromeOS Readiness Tool is built to streamline this journey, and its dedicated Partner Dashboard acts as a powerful resource for service providers assessing and managing their customers' readiness.

This intuitive, web-based interface enables partners to view multiple customer organizational readiness details, ensuring efficient, informed, and confident transitions to ChromeOS.

Your Central Hub: The Partner Dashboard

The Partner Dashboard offers a centralized view into customers’ organizations’ ChromeOS readiness. Access begins by navigating to the dashboard’s login page and signing in with a Google account. For completed assessments, partners can enter the customer’s encryption file to securely retrieve readiness reports. This way, it is a must for the partner to get the consent of the customer to view their readiness details. 

For ongoing assessments, the dashboard also displays:

  • Selected assessment duration

  • Progress percentage

  • Estimated time to completion

This transparency allows partners to easily track status and plan next steps.

Rich Readiness Insights at Your Fingertips

Once access is authorized via the encryption file, the dashboard unlocks detailed data across several key areas:

Company Overview

  • High-level metrics: total devices, readiness status distribution, percentages

  • A quick snapshot of organizational readiness

Device Specific Readiness

  • View ChromeOS Flex compatibility and device status per domain

  • Filter and drill down into individual device-level insights

  • Clickable data points for deeper visibility into app readiness per device

Application & Peripheral Readiness

  • Breakdown of Chrome Ready, Possibly Ready, and Blocker apps

  • Readiness percentages and counts across all apps and connected peripherals

Peripheral Insights

  • Visual dashboards showing core vs. peripheral readiness

  • Device-level details, including model, category, and readiness status

  • Expandable “View More” section for deeper analysis

Browser Insights

  • Reports on browser usage, installed extensions, and versions provide a detailed overview of organization-level usage.

Virtualization Recommendations

  • A newly introduced section highlights apps suitable for virtualization

  • Cameyo based recommendations for apps in 'Possibly Ready' or 'Blocker' categories

  • Tooltips offer extra guidance for apps under review or not compatible with virtualization

Managing Multiple Clients with Ease

One of the Partner Dashboard’s key benefits is multi-tenant management. By entering different customer encryption files, partners can:

  • Seamlessly switch between customer accounts using a drop-down selector

  • View all associated devices, apps, and insights for each customer and domain

This unified management experience streamlines assessments for service providers handling several organizations simultaneously.

Built-in Security and Confidential Access

Security is foundational. Customer data can only be accessed using:

  • A Google account with the correct permissions

  • The private encryption key file generated during the tool installation

This ensures strict data confidentiality, only authorized users with both credentials can view the reports and related insights. When used with GCP storage, the system adheres to secure cloud practices by leveraging access roles and encryption policies.

Conclusion: Enable Informed, Confident ChromeOS Migrations

The ChromeOS Readiness Tool Partner Dashboard empowers service providers with the data and tools needed to guide successful ChromeOS migrations. From granular device level analysis to cross company comparisons and virtualization recommendations, this dashboard delivers unmatched visibility and control.

By using the dashboard, partners can:

  • Deliver high impact assessments

  • Identify compatibility gaps early

  • Support smarter decision making

  • Strengthen long term customer relationships

Ready to unlock smarter migration strategies? Start leveraging the Partner Dashboard today.

Choosing Your Storage: Network Shared Folder vs. GCP Cloud for ChromeOS Readiness Tool Data
June 17, 2025

Choosing Your Storage: Network Shared Folder vs. GCP Cloud for ChromeOS Readiness Tool Data

As organizations move toward IT modernization and explore the benefits of ChromeOS, the ChromeOS Readiness Tool plays a central role in assessing whether the organization's devices are ready for a seamless transition to ChromeOS. One of the most important steps in deploying this tool is selecting where to store the data it collects. This decision is directly influenced by the deployment method chosen, either the Enterprise Flow or the PowerShell Flow, with each flow offering different storage options.

The ChromeOS Readiness Tool is designed to scan and assess your environment across devices, apps, and peripherals to generate insights that inform ChromeOS migration decisions. Emphasizing security and privacy, the tool ensures that all collected data is stored securely and is accessible only to authorized users. Storage configuration is a critical part of maintaining this secure ecosystem.

Organizations deploying the Enterprise Flow, often used in Active Directory environments with Group Policy Objects (GPOs), can store data either in a network shared folder or use a dual storage setup that combines a shared folder and a GCP Cloud (Storage Bucket). In the first scenario, data remains completely on premise, accessible only to authorized personnel with specific folder permissions, ideal for companies with strict compliance or internal hosting policies. If GCP storage is also configured, the tool will store data in both the network shared folder and the GCP storage bucket. This dual setup provides additional flexibility, blending the control of local infrastructure with the scalability and accessibility of cloud storage.

In contrast, the PowerShell Flow is designed for organizations that do not use Active Directory and instead rely on Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) systems. This flow supports only cloud storage, with GCP Cloud as the sole option. The PowerShell Flow’s architecture is cloud-first, offering compatibility with modern IT environments that prioritize remote device management and distributed infrastructures. Unlike the Enterprise Flow, it does not support a local shared folder option, and the deployment of the data collection agent should be done either manually or using a UEM software. 

Regardless of the chosen flow, utilizing GCP Cloud storage requires setting up a storage bucket in a designated Google Cloud project. This involves creating or selecting a project, naming the bucket, choosing its location type and storage class, and defining access controls. The deployment also requires assigning the Storage Object Admin role to the service account provided by the ChromeOS Readiness Tool, ensuring the tool can write data to the designated bucket.

Storage choice also directly impacts dashboard access. The Pro Dashboard, which offers insights into application usage, device readiness, and domain-level data, is included by default in the PowerShell Flow. In the Enterprise Flow, access to the Pro Dashboard becomes available only when GCP Cloud storage is enabled. 

Several key considerations can guide the storage decision. For organizations operating within a traditional, on-premises environment with strong Active Directory integration, the Enterprise Flow with either a shared folder or a shared folder and GCP combination offers a familiar, secure deployment. For cloud-centric companies leveraging UEM tools, the PowerShell Flow with GCP Cloud storage provides a more agile approach. In either case, access to dashboards and analytics depends on integrating GCP Cloud storage into the deployment.

Security is central to both flows. The tool ensures that data collected from endpoints is encrypted before transfer and is accessible only to the deploying user. A private key generated during deployment is required to decrypt and view data on the dashboards, and strict controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access to encryption keys. While collected data may be temporarily stored on user devices, it is pushed securely to the designated storage as configured during installation.

In conclusion, selecting the appropriate storage for your ChromeOS Readiness Tool deployment is a foundational step in enabling secure and insightful readiness assessments. Whether prioritizing on-premises control with a network shared folder or leveraging the flexibility and dashboard access of GCP Cloud, the tool provides robust options to align with your IT environment. With strong encryption, adaptable flows, and secure storage pathways, your organization can confidently move toward ChromeOS adoption while maintaining complete control over its data.

Setting up a GCP Storage for the ChromeOS Readiness Tool: A Step-by-Step Guide
June 16, 2025

Setting up a GCP Storage for the ChromeOS Readiness Tool:A Step by Step Guide

In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, organizations are consistently looking for IT solutions that are not only efficient and secure but also cost effective. As more businesses explore the shift to cloud based operating systems such as ChromeOS, gaining a deep understanding of their current IT infrastructure is essential for a seamless migration.

The ChromeOS Readiness Tool is designed to provide a comprehensive compatibility assessment, helping organizations evaluate their preparedness for ChromeOS adoption. A key element of this process is ensuring that the collected data is securely stored and easily accessible.

By leveraging Google Cloud Platform (GCP) storage buckets, organizations benefit from a reliable, scalable, and secure solution to store assessment results. This storage mechanism is central to enabling advanced features like the Pro Dashboard and Partner Dashboard, regardless of whether the tool is deployed via the Enterprise Flow or the PowerShell Flow.

How to Set Up GCP Storage for the ChromeOS Readiness Tool

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create and configure your GCP storage bucket for storing ChromeOS Readiness Tool assessment data:

1. Log In and Select a Project

Begin by logging into your Google Cloud account. If you have an existing project, select it from the list that appears. Otherwise, create a new project by providing the project name, organization, and location, and then clicking “Create.”

2. Create the Storage Bucket

After selecting your project, click the “Create” button to start setting up your storage bucket. You will be guided through several configuration steps.

3. Name the Bucket

Provide a unique name for your storage bucket and proceed by clicking “Continue.”

4. Set Location Type

Choose the appropriate location type for your data (Regional, Dual Regional, or Multi-Regional). While Google provides default settings, you can adjust them based on your needs. Click “Continue” once configured.

5. Select the Storage Class

Pick the desired storage class, such as Standard or Nearline, and continue.

6. Configure Access Controls

Set up the access control preferences for the objects in the bucket and click “Continue.”

7. Define Data Protection Settings

Configure your data protection settings as needed and then click “Create.”

8. Confirm Public Access Restrictions

A modal window will appear to confirm restrictions on public access. Click “Confirm” to restrict access, following best security practices.

After completion, a confirmation screen will notify you that your bucket has been successfully created.

Assigning Permissions to the Service Account

To enable the ChromeOS Readiness Tool to securely upload data to the bucket, it's important to configure access for the service account.

  1. Open the “Permissions” tab from the bucket’s settings page.

  2. Click “Grant access.”

  3. In the “New principals” field, enter the service account email (this can be copied from the wizard modal in the tool).

  4. Click “Select a role,” navigate to “Cloud Storage,” and choose the “Storage Object Admin” role.

  5. Click “Save” to finalize the permission settings.

Connecting the Bucket via the ChromeOS Readiness Tool Wizard

Once the bucket and permissions are in place, follow these steps to connect it through the tool:

  1. Go to the “Objects” tab in your GCP bucket and copy the bucket name.

  2. In the ChromeOS Readiness Tool wizard, paste the copied name into the prompt where bucket information is requested.

  3. Click “Connect the storage bucket.” A green check mark will confirm a successful connection.

Understanding Storage Behavior Based on Deployment Method

The behavior of data storage depends on the method you choose for deploying the ChromeOS Readiness Tool:

If you're using the Enterprise Flow, you have the option either to store your assessment results in both the GCP storage bucket and a selected network shared folder or only in the network shared folder. This shared folder is only accessible to authorized personnel, ensuring restricted and controlled access for employees.

If you choose the PowerShell Flow, however, network shared folder storage is not applicable. In this case, GCP Cloud storage acts as the sole repository for your assessment results.

Conclusion

By following these steps, your organization can ensure that all ChromeOS Readiness Tool assessment data is stored securely and accessed efficiently. With GCP's reliable cloud infrastructure, your IT team is empowered with the visibility and control needed to drive a secure, informed, and confident migration to ChromeOS.

Why ChromeOS is the Future of Enterprise Computing
June 14, 2025

Why ChromeOS is the Future of Enterprise Computing

In today’s dynamic and growing  business environment, digital transformation is no longer optional, it’s essential for agility, security, and long term growth. ChromeOS, Google’s cloud first operating system, is a driving force in this shift, helping organizations modernize infrastructure, boost productivity, and lower costs. Built from the ground up for the cloud era, ChromeOS is redefining what enterprise IT looks like.

Here are five key ways ChromeOS is shaping the future of enterprise computing:

1. Cost  Modernization & Sustainability

ChromeOS enables organizations to maximize the value of existing hardware through ChromeOS Flex, which transforms older PCs and Macs into fast, secure devices. This extends device lifespans, reduces e-waste, and minimizes hardware costs, without sacrificing performance.

  • Automatic updates reduce maintenance and replacement frequency.

  • These benefits support both financial efficiency and environmental goals.

2. Security Built from the Ground Up

Security is not an add on, it's foundational to ChromeOS.

  • Features like sandboxing, verified boot, and automatic OS updates provide multi-layered protection against malware and cyber threats.

  • By reducing reliance on third-party security software, ChromeOS simplifies IT operations while strengthening the organization’s overall security posture.

This proactive security architecture is ideal for today’s evolving threat landscape.

3. Seamless Cloud Integration & Collaboration

Designed as a cloud native OS, ChromeOS enables employees to work from anywhere, on any device.

  • Deep integration with Google Workspace supports real-time collaboration and productivity via Docs, Sheets, Google Meet, Gmail, and more.

  • ChromeOS delivers a consistent experience across devices, perfect for remote and hybrid teams.

The result- agile, connected teams that can move faster and work smarter.

4. Simplified Management & Rapid Deployment

ChromeOS dramatically reduces the burden on IT teams.

  • IT administrators can manage devices at scale through a cloud-based console, applying policies, deploying updates, and tracking endpoints, all from a central dashboard.

  • The platform’s intuitive interface ensures a low learning curve for users of all skill levels.

5. Scalable Infrastructure for Growth

As businesses grow, ChromeOS scales with them.

  • Organizations can easily provision and manage thousands of devices.

  • Built in support for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and seamless cloud integration enables flexibility without locking into legacy systems.

  • IT teams maintain full control while end users get a responsive, always updated experience.

ChromeOS offers future-ready infrastructure that evolves with enterprise needs.

A Platform for the Cloud-First Era

ChromeOS is more than just an operating system, it’s a strategic platform for digital transformation. By delivering cloud native agility, enterprise grade security, cost savings, and workforce flexibility, ChromeOS empowers businesses to thrive in the modern era. As organizations adopt cloud-first strategies, ChromeOS is emerging as the go to choice for sustainable, scalable, and secure enterprise computing.

Getting Started: A Practical Guide to Installing and Deploying the ChromeOS Readiness Tool with Enterprise Deployment
June 14, 2025

Getting Started: A Practical Guide to Installing and Deploying the ChromeOS Readiness Tool with Enterprise Deployment

In an era where IT modernization is paramount, organizations are continuously seeking efficient and secure pathways to evolve their infrastructure. The ChromeOS Readiness Tool stands as a valuable asset in this journey, offering a comprehensive compatibility assessment for a seamless transition to ChromeOS. For organizations that operate within established on-premise environments and rely on traditional IT management, the Enterprise Flow (also referred to as Enterprise Installation) provides a robust and integrated deployment solution.

This guide will navigate you through the installation process and highlight the essential components of deploying the ChromeOS Readiness Tool using the Enterprise method.

Understanding the Enterprise Flow

The Enterprise Flow is specifically engineered for environments that leverage Active Directory and Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for their IT management. It is the ideal choice for organizations that operate without a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) system and are built upon an on-premise infrastructure. A key characteristic of this flow is its automated data collection agent, which simplifies the gathering of assessment data.

The Installation Journey: Enterprise Method

The initial step for installing the ChromeOS Readiness Tool begins with downloading and running the provided MSI file. An administrator must first install the tool on their admin machine before initiating an organization-wide deployment.

Once the installer application is launched, the configuration specific to the Enterprise Flow begins:

  1. Select Installation Method: The installation wizard will prompt you to choose the installation method. For the Enterprise Flow, you will select the "Windows Server Active Directory" option. This ensures compatibility with your existing Active Directory and GPO infrastructure.

  2. Choose Storage Options: You will then select where the assessment results will be stored. The Enterprise Flow supports two primary storage options:

    • Network Shared Folder: Assessment results can be securely stored in a selected network shared folder within your on-premise infrastructure. Data will be stored here if this option is chosen. Only authorized personnel with appropriate permissions can access this shared folder, and employee access to this data is restricted.

    • GCP Cloud (Storage Bucket): Assessment results can also be stored in a GCP (Google Cloud Platform) storage bucket. If this option is selected, data will be stored in both the GCP storage bucket and the network shared folder. To enable this, you must grant the storage object admin role to the provided service account within your GCP project. You may select the GCP storage and network shared folder option to store results in both locations.

  3. Sign In with Google Account: You will be required to sign in with a Google account if you select the GCP storage and network shared folder option. This account will later be used to access and view the Pro dashboard.

  4. Enter Company Information: Provide your company's name and the address details. You also have the option to upload your company logo, which can be displayed on your personalized dashboard.

  5. Connect to Cloud Storage (if applicable): If you choose the GCP Cloud storage option, you will connect to your company's Google Cloud Storage. As a Pro user, you will choose the "company Google Cloud Storage" option. As a Partner user, you will choose the cloud storage bucket provided by your partner. Ensure you grant the storage object admin role to the provided service account in your GCP project.

  6. Configure Deployment Settings: In the deployment configurations, you will select the number of days for the data collection period. The final report will be generated after this period. Additionally, you can enable the browser insights feature and choose to hide the tray application on client PCs.

  7. Select Domains and Organizational Units: You will then select the preferred domains and organizational units (OUs) within your organization where you want to install the tool. This is a one-time installation, so it's crucial to select all desired domains and units as changes cannot be made after installation.

  8. Deploy and Install: Click "install" to deploy Group Policies and install the tool. Once the GPOs are updated and linked successfully, a configuration complete message will appear.

  9. Export Private Key: After the installation is complete, you will be prompted to export your private key file. It is essential to save this key file securely, as it is necessary for viewing the readiness assessment details in the Pro dashboard if applicable.

Once deployed, for the data collection to begin and Group Policy to activate, devices need to be restarted approximately 90 minutes after the administrator deploys the application. The collected data will be temporarily stored on employee devices and will later be pushed to the selected network storage location or cloud storage. Data collection will proceed for the selected duration, ultimately generating the final report. If PCs are powered off, data will not upload until the PC is on.

Conclusion

The Enterprise Flow of the ChromeOS Readiness Tool provides a robust and tailored solution for organizations deeply integrated with Active Directory and operating within an on-premise infrastructure. It empowers IT teams with detailed compatibility assessments and secure data handling, enabling a confident and strategic approach to migrating to ChromeOS.

To embark on your ChromeOS migration journey, visit the official website to schedule a demo and select the Enterprise installation method that aligns with your organization's infrastructure.

Beyond the Dashboard: Leveraging ChromeOS Readiness Tool Reports for Deeper Insights
June 13, 2025

Beyond the Dashboard: Leveraging ChromeOS Readiness Tool Reports for Deeper Insights

Migrating to ChromeOS is a strategic shift, one that requires more than a simple compatibility check. While the ChromeOS Readiness Tool offers an intuitive dashboard for a high-level overview, its true value lies in the depth and detail of its reporting capabilities.

These robust insights help IT teams anticipate obstacles, streamline planning, and execute more precise, confident transitions to ChromeOS.

Why Go Beyond the Dashboard?

The dashboard gives you a snapshot. But for large scale migrations, especially across complex environments, you need granular, actionable insights.

The ChromeOS Readiness Tool delivers:

  • Detailed application and device assessments

  • Reports generated in prior rounds when the tool was configured .

  • Exportable reports for advanced data exploration

  • Browser and peripheral device usage breakdowns

  • Virtualization recommendations for Blocked or Ready with verification applications.

Clear Classification for Smarter Planning

Applications and devices are classified into readiness categories, making it easy to prioritize migration efforts:

Application Readiness
  • ChromeOS-Ready: Operates seamlessly on ChromeOS.

  • Possibly Ready: May need slight configuration or testing.

  • Blockers: Not compatible, may require alternatives or virtualization.

  • Unknown: Unclassified application in the tool’s database.

Device Readiness
  • Ready to Switch: Green light for migration.

  • Ready with Verification: Functional but needs further testing.

  • Blocked from switching: Incompatible due to application usage dependencies.

This classification system gives IT teams a roadmap, what can move today, what needs review, and what requires rethinking.

Admin Level Reports: What’s Inside

When collection completes, admins gain access to a powerful report view on their own device. This includes:

  • A summary count of applications by readiness status

  • Pie charts showing overall device readiness percentages

  • A domain level device listing with individual readiness states

  • Detailed app summaries per device, including foreground/background usage

  • Access to historical reports for trend analysis and audit trails

Report Export: For Deep Dive Analysis

The tool allows you to export raw data in Excel format/PDF, perfect for organizations looking to run their own reporting workflows or import into Business Intelligent tools like Looker, Tableau, or PowerBI.

Export options include:

  • Device Readiness Report: Detailed metrics on each device’s status, usage, and ChromeOS compatibility

  • Peripheral Readiness Report: Compatibility data for printers, scanners, and other peripherals

  • Executive Summary Report: A concise PDF designed specifically for decision-makers.  It provides a high-level overview of your organization's readiness for ChromeOS, highlighting key readiness metrics and insights

With these exports, teams can:

  • Build custom dashboards

  • Identify migration risks by department or region

  • Tailor phase rollout plans

  • Perform cost-benefit analyses

Virtualization Planning: Streamlined Recommendations

For applications flagged as Possibly Ready or Blockers, the dashboard now includes a Virtualization section with Cameyo recommendations.

Features include:

  • Application-level virtualization status

  • Usage-based filtering (High/Low)

  • Cameyo compatibility insights

This makes it easier for teams to proactively virtualize legacy apps that can’t run natively on ChromeOS, ensuring productivity isn’t compromised.

Browser Insights: Web Compatibility at a Glance

Migrating to ChromeOS means shifting toward browser-based workflows. The Browser Insights feature gives you full visibility into your current web environment:

  • Browser usage: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi, Brave

  • Version distribution: Track outdated or inconsistent browser versions

  • Extension analysis: See which extensions are widely used and which may pose risks

Benefits include:

  • Improved browser standardization

  • Better extension governance

  • Enhanced security posture across teams

End-to-End Security by Design

Security remains a cornerstone of the tool’s architecture.

  • Data never leaves your infrastructure without permission

To access the dashboard, admins must upload the private key generated during deployment. This means:

  • Only the deploying user can access the collected data with the use of the Private key

  • Data remains confidential and tamper proof

  • Network folder data is not accessible to employees or Client device users

Turn Insights into Action

The ChromeOS Readiness Tool is more than a diagnostic; it's a strategic planning platform. By leveraging its full suite of reporting features, your team can:

  • Minimize surprises

  • Maximize hardware ROI

  • Identify high-impact blockers early

  • Confidently guide your migration roadmap

Ready to take the next step? Dive into your data, export what you need, and unlock a smarter, smoother path to ChromeOS adoption.

Admin vs Employee: Understanding Roles in ChromeOS Readiness Tool Deployment
June 12, 2025

Admin vs Employee: Understanding Roles in ChromeOS Readiness Tool Deployment

Transitioning to a new operating system like ChromeOS can revolutionize an organization's IT landscape, bringing enhanced efficiency and security. To ensure a smooth migration, the ChromeOS Readiness Tool provides a comprehensive compatibility assessment. A key aspect of this process involves distinct roles for IT administrators and employees, ensuring both security and minimal disruption. Understanding these roles is crucial for a successful deployment.

The Administrator's Pivotal Role

The journey of deploying the ChromeOS Readiness Tool begins with the IT administrator. Their responsibilities are extensive, encompassing the initial setup, configuration, and ongoing management of the tool within the organizational environment.

Initially, an administrator must install the ChromeOS Readiness Tool on the admin device. From there, they choose the installation method that best suits the organization's existing infrastructure:

  • The Enterprise Flow (or Enterprise Installation) is designed for environments that utilize Active Directory and Group Policy Objects (GPOs). This method uses on premise infrastructure and features an automated data collection agent.

  • The PowerShell Flow (or PowerShell Installation) is optimized for Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) systems and is ideal for environments without Active Directory. This flow utilizes cloud based infrastructure, though its data collection agent requires manual setup.

Administrators also dictate where assessment results are stored. For the Enterprise Flow, options include a Network Shared Folder or a GCP Cloud Storage Bucket. If both are selected or implied by the flow, data will be stored in both locations. For GCP storage, the administrator must grant the "storage object admin" role to the provided Service account of the ChromeOS Readiness Tool in their GCP Project. The PowerShell Flow, in contrast, primarily uses GCP Cloud Storage, as network shared folders are not applicable.

During configuration, administrators define the data collection period and can enable features like Browser Insights and hide the tray application options. They also select the specific organizational domains and units where the tool will be installed. This is a one-time installation, so careful selection is vital.

Crucially, after deployment, the administrator must export and securely save a private key file. This private key is essential for accessing and viewing the detailed readiness assessment data on the web dashboard, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. This dashboard provides a comprehensive view of overall readiness, including application usage, device compatibility, peripheral insights, browser details, and application virtualization recommendations to support smoother transitions for legacy or critical apps.

The Employee's Minimal Interaction

In contrast to the administrator's multifaceted role, the employee's involvement in the ChromeOS Readiness Tool deployment is designed to be minimal, ensuring little to no disruption to their daily work.

Once the administrator deploys the tool:

  • For devices under the Enterprise Flow, employees will need to restart their devices approximately 90 minutes after deployment. This allows the Group Policy to activate and the data collection process to begin.

  • For devices deployed via the PowerShell Flow, employees have no specific tasks to complete for the files to run.

The data collection agent operates largely in the background. While data is temporarily stored on employee devices, it is later pushed to the selected network or cloud storage location. It's important to note that data will only upload when the PC is powered on. If a user attempts to end the application process via Task Manager, the tool is designed to automatically restart the next time the device is powered on.

Furthermore, data security is paramount. All collected data remains within the organization, utilizing AES and RSA encryption protocols. Employee access to this collected data is restricted. This ensures privacy and compliance while IT teams and admins gather the necessary insights.

Why the Distinction Matters

The clear separation of roles between administrators and employees in the ChromeOS Readiness Tool deployment is critical for several reasons:

  • Enhanced Security: By centralizing control of deployment, data storage, and access keys with administrators, the tool ensures that sensitive organizational data remains secure and accessible only to authorized personnel.

  • Operational Efficiency: This distinction streamlines the migration process for IT teams, allowing them to manage the assessment effectively without needing constant user intervention.

  • Minimal Disruption for End-Users: Employees can continue their work with minimal to no interruption, as the tool operates discreetly and requires limited action on their part.

By understanding these roles, organizations can leverage the ChromeOS Readiness Tool effectively, ensuring a secure, efficient, and seamless transition to ChromeOS.

Getting Started: A Practical Guide to Installing and Deploying the ChromeOS Readiness Tool with PowerShell
June 11, 2025

Getting Started: A Practical Guide to Installing and Deploying the ChromeOS Readiness Tool with PowerShell

In today’s growing IT Environment, cloud-first strategies are becoming the norm for organizations aiming to modernize IT operations. The ChromeOS Readiness Tool supports this transformation by helping IT teams assess compatibility for a seamless move to ChromeOS. For organizations that rely on Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) rather than Active Directory, the PowerShell Flow offers a lightweight, cloud-optimized deployment method.

Here’s a practical overview of how to install and deploy the tool using the PowerShell method.

What is the PowerShell Flow?

The PowerShell Flow, also known as PowerShell Installation, is purpose built for

  • Organizations using UEM software to install applications across the network

  • Environments that do not utilize Active Directory

  • IT teams seeking a flexible agent deployment

Step by Step Installation: PowerShell Method

1. Download & Launch

Begin by downloading the official MSI installer for the ChromeOS Readiness Tool from the ChromeOS Readiness Tool website. Launch the installer on an administrator’s device and complete the guided setup.

2. Configure Settings via Installer

Once the tool launches:

  • Select PowerShell Flow as your deployment method by clicking on the “Other Deployment Methods” option.

  • Sign in with a Google account, this will be used to access your web dashboard later.

  • Enter organization details, including your company name, address, and logo (optional).

3. Storage Configuration
  • PowerShell Flow supports only Google Cloud Storage (GCP Storage Buckets).

    • Network Shared Folders are not available for this method.

    • You must assign the storage.objectAdmin role to the tool’s service account to your GCP storage bucket.

4. Set Collection Preferences
  • Define the data collection period (in days).

  • Enable Browser Insights, if desired.

  • Choose whether to hide the tray application on employee devices.

5. Deploy via UEM or Script
  • Export the deployment package at the end of the configuration flow, which will be used to deploy to client machines.

  • Deploy the deployment package manually or through your UEM system.

  • Most importantly, export the private key and keep it securely, which will be used later to access the web dashboard.

  • No user action is required on employee devices post-deployment.

Security-First Architecture

Data collection is designed with privacy and security in mind:

  • Only the administrator who deployed the tool and possesses the generated private key can access the collected data.

  • All encrypted logs remain within your organization’s infrastructure until securely uploaded to GCP.

Dashboard Access and Insights

After data collection is complete, results are visualized on an interactive web-based dashboard:

Pro Dashboard (Included by default):

  • View overall domain and device readiness

  • Identify top used apps (foreground & background)

  • Access browser usage insights

  • Evaluate application compatibility and virtualization needs

 Partner Dashboard (for CSPs):

  • Allows partners to view multiple customer organizations and their detailed results per client using encryption keys

Top Benefits of the PowerShell Flow

  • Cloud-optimized for UEM-managed environments

  • Enterprise-grade encryption and data security

  • Manual control over deployment

  • Rich analytics and app usage breakdowns

  • No need for an Active Directory or GPOs

Conclusion

For cloud-first organizations using UEM platforms, the PowerShell Flow delivers an efficient, secure, and scalable path to ChromeOS migration. With detailed readiness insights and streamlined deployment, it equips IT leaders to drive modernization with confidence.Ready to begin?Visit the official ChromeOS Readiness Tool page to schedule a demo and explore the PowerShell deployment path best suited to your infrastructure.