Imagine a single parent unable to apply for jobs because they lack a computer, or an elderly resident struggling to access vital healthcare information online. These are the realities of digital exclusion, a challenge that public sector organisations are increasingly committed to addressing. But with budget constraints and limited resources, finding a cost-effective and manageable solution is essential. This is where ChromeOS Flex steps in.
ChromeOS Flex breathes new life into ageing Windows and MacOS devices, transforming them into secure, cloud-powered machines. This not only reduces electronic waste, aligning with public sector sustainability goals, but also offers significant cost savings. Instead of buying new hardware, which would be an expense no council can afford at present, we can use ChromeOS Flex to repurpose existing devices that would otherwise be scrapped, freeing up budget for other important projects.
In Kirklees, a borough of over 425,000 residents in West Yorkshire, the council recognised the urgent need to expand digital access for its citizens. “In an increasingly digital world, connectivity is essential for full participation in society,” says Charles Crossland, IT Change Manager for Kirklees Council. “Beyond economic challenges, the digital divide affects mental health, civic engagement, job prospects and overall quality of life.”
To address this issue, Kirklees had previously deployed around ten devices at each of their 25 libraries, all of which were Windows devices managed internally on private areas of their network. Difficult to manage and scale, in addition to the inherent security concerns, it wasn’t feasible to significantly increase the number of digital stations to support more users. ChromeOS Flex provided the solution.
Today, over 1,500 ChromeOS devices are used by residents through programmes that offer a range of lending options, from short-term use at digital hubs in local libraries, courthouses and other council buildings, to longer-term loans where residents can take devices home to use for weeks or months. ChromeOS Flex not only simplifies IT management, but also provides a fast, secure, and user-friendly experience for citizens, regardless of their digital skills.
“We have increased the number of devices by 1,500, however, management is now easier than ever. Managing 200 Windows devices once consumed a full-time IT role. Now, with ChromeOS device management, it is a fraction of the workload, saving us 40 hours per week,” says Mr. Crossland. To learn more about how Kirklees Council successfully implemented ChromeOS Flex, read the full case study on the Google Cloud blog.
ChromeOS Flex prioritises security with automatic updates, which take place in the background and keep the device running efficiently and safely without any intervention from the user. Other features such as sandboxing ensure that if a user ever clicks on a link or visits a website that attempts to install malware on the device, the threat is instantly contained and can’t affect any part of the system. This means that the user only needs to close the tab or app and the threat is neutralised, all without the need for additional antivirus software that only adds to the cost and complexity of a standard IT deployment. There have been no reported cybersecurity incidents on a ChromeOS device, ever.
If your department is ready to address digital exclusion in your community and empower citizens with access to technology without adding to the burden of your IT department or budget, Getech, Google’s #1 Premier Partner in the UK and Ireland, has unlocked funding for local authorities and NHS Trusts to put ChromeOS Flex to the test with their managed Proof of Concept package, Jumpstart.
Organisations taking advantage of Jumpstart receive all the support they need to convert their old Windows or MacOS devices to ChromeOS, including Chrome Enterprise management licences and expert setup of the Google Admin console, helping you get devices into the hands of residents who need them quickly. In addition, two days of professional training are provided to upskill your IT staff, which will be tailored around your needs and time availability.
Contact Getech on 01473 240470 or email team@getechenterprise.com to discuss your project goals today.