In an era where reducing costs, improving sustainability and advancing technologically are crucial for the success of any organisation, Google has come up with a solution that any business can benefit from: ChromeOS Flex.

Continue reading to find out what ChromeOS Flex is and how your organisation can benefit from it. 

About ChromeOS Flex

Developed by Google, ChromeOS Flex is an operating system (similar to ChromeOS) that can be installed on any, new or old, PC or MacBook. Chrome OS Flex is fast, cloud-first, easy-to-manage and secure.

Benefits of ChromeOS Flex 

Sustainability 

With 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste is produced every year worldwide, electronic waste continues to be a growing concern. With ChromeOS Flex you can give old hardware a new lease of life. 

The operating system not only extends the life of existing hardware but also reduces the demand for new hardware production, which is resource-intensive. The manufacturing of a single computer, for instance, requires approximately 1.7 tons of raw materials and 19,000 litres of water, as reported by the United Nations University.

You can convert older PCs and Macs can to run a version of ChromeOS. For businesses, adopting ChromeOS Flex can offer a number of advantages, even if you’re not running on Google Workspace:

Extended Device Lifespan 

Installing ChromeOS Flex on your old device will turn it into a new Chromebook-like device, improving its performance and instantly boosting your security. 

ChromeOS Flex breathes new life into ageing computers, reducing the need for immediate hardware upgrades.

Cost Savings

Rejuvenating old hardware translates into direct cost savings, as organisations can defer new hardware purchases. Additionally, ChromeOS Flex is free; and the system runs well on less powerful hardware, saving electricity costs in the long run.

Security

One of the primary benefits of ChromeOS is its security. By transitioning to ChromeOS Flex, businesses can take advantage of the inherent security features, such as sandboxing, verified boot, and automatic updates.

Easy Management

Devices running ChromeOS Flex can be managed all together using Chrome Device Management. This allows for centralised management of devices, just like regular Chromebooks.

Simplicity and Speed

Like ChromeOS, ChromeOS Flex offers a streamlined and fast experience, which can improve user productivity. It boots up quickly, reduces lag, and can handle web tasks efficiently.

Integration with Google Services

Since it is ChromeOS, it offers seamless integration with Google services such as Google Drive, Google Workspace, and other web applications, making it suitable for businesses already using these tools.

Reduced IT Overhead

With simplified management and fewer issues related to software compatibility (given the web-centric nature of the OS), IT departments might find reduced support ticket volume.

Automatic Updates

Just as with ChromeOS, ChromeOS Flex receives regular updates, ensuring that devices have the latest security patches and features without manual intervention.

How to Install ChromeOS Flex 

Installing Chrome OS Flex is simple and easy. The process takes around 20 minutes to complete and you will need a USB drive for it.

Step 1: Create a bootable ChromeOS Flex USB drive and use it to try the OS prior to installing it.

Step 2: Install ChromeOS Flex on your PC or Mac to replace your operating system.

Step 3: Deploy ChromeOS Flex to more devices in your organisation via USB drive or over your network.

Compatibility

ChromeOS Flex has a broad compatibility list, which means many old devices (even those not officially supported by their manufacturers) can be repurposed with the software.

One thing to note is that ChromeOS Flex supports Intel and AMD processors only, so Microsoft Surface Pro and the latest M1 Macs will not work with it.

The minimum device requirements for installing the OS are:

• Intel or AMD x86-64-bit CPU
• 4GB RAM
• 16 GB Hard drive space
• Access to BIOS

ChromeOS Flex provides a seamless, secure, and fast computing experience, while also being sustainable and saving costs for your organisation. 

The operating system stands as a testament to Google's commitment to sustainability and digital inclusivity: it shows that older technology can be repurposed and given a new lease on life, aligning with global efforts to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainable technology use.

If you have any questions on adopting ChromeOS Flex across your organisation, get in touch and our expert teams will help you make the most of the system. 👇