Google Chrome OS Attracts Big Customers; Will VARs Follow?

Well, that was quick. Only a day after the Google Chrome OS news event, another enterprise customer has signed on to deploy Chrome OS netbooks into the workforce. This time it’s InterContinental, one of the largest hotel groups in the world. But while big enterprises sign up for the Google operating system, we’re poking around to learn if Google will develop a channel partner strategy for Google Chrome OS. Here’s what we know so far.

Google’s corporate blog disclosed the news but it boils down to this: The InterContinental Hotels IT staff is developing in-house web apps using Google’s Web Toolkit, so jumping to Chrome OS seems natural. InterContitnental says the low cost and hassle-free nature of Chrome OS environments is appealing. The potential uses cases for the Chrome OS Netbooks include:

• Call Centers: Web apps plus 13 massive call enters around the world may move to Chrome OS. In theory, the hotel operator says, Chrome OS will reduce infrastructure deployment costs, slash IT security risks, and cut services calls for the IT staff since Chrome OS auto-updates behind the scenes.
• Business service centers: InterContinental plans to deploy Chrome OS for complimentary guest Internet access in hotels. Customers will be able to log in and log out without leaving behind any sensitive information.
• Hotel guests: Imagine a free loaner netbook for guest use. That’s another use case for hotel customers. Don’t bring your Chrome OS Netbook on a trip. Leave it at home, use a loaner netbook from the hotel, log in with your Google ID, and it’s like you’re on your home netbook.

Pending Channel Strategy?

The obvious question for TalkinCloud readers: Where do channel partners potentially fit in the Google Chrome OS strategy? Yes, Google does have the Google Apps Reseller partner program, which Stephen Cho describes in a TalkinCloud FastChat video.

But will Google extend its channel partner program to promote Chrome OS? We’ve reached out to Cho and Google for additional comment. Also, we recommend keeping a close eye on the Google I/O 2011 conference (May 10-11, San Francisco). Apparently, Google is preparing multiple channel partner moves at the conference, according to The VAR Guy (TalkinCloud’s sister site). We have a hunch Google Chrome OS will be a big part of the discussion.

Additional reporting by Joe Panettieri. Follow Talkin’ Cloud via RSS, Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for Talkin’ Cloud’s Weekly Newsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center. Read our editorial disclosures here.