Extend the life of Windows 10 company devices with ChromeOS Flex & Google Workspace

Does your company have a pile of Windows 10 devices that, for whatever reason, Microsoft deems unfit for a Windows 11 upgrade? Once these Windows 10 devices, old or new, reach their end-of-life for support in October 2025, they will, by definition, become vulnerable to security threats.

Using vulnerable devices for business purposes is, from a security perspective, a recipe for disaster. Throwing away such devices and generating e-waste is an extreme on the opposite side of the spectrum. So, what’s the alternative?

ChromeOS Flex is a modern, Google Workspace-focused operating system that can revitalize your outdated hardware. It’s a cost-effective, secure, and efficient solution that can extend the lifespan of your devices and empower your employees while still enabling your organization to maintain hardware control.

What is ChromeOS Flex?

ChromeOS Flex is a variant of ChromeOS, a lightweight operating system built for speed, simplicity, and security. Unlike ChromeOS, ChromeOS Flex does not need to run on Chromebooks. In fact, it is aimed to run on anything but.

It’s cloud-centric, meaning most of your applications and data reside in the cloud — just like ChromeOS. And just like ChromeOS, it can be very easily integrated into and subsequently managed by your company’s Google Workspace ecosystem. This approach ensures that your company’s information is always accessible in a controlled and secure hardware environment.

How does ChromeOS Flex work?

The beauty of ChromeOS Flex lies in its simplicity. After all, at its core, it is a Linux distribution, just like ChromeOS or Android. The installation process is straightforward, and the system runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware configurations. Even devices that struggle to run Windows 10 can be given a new lease on life with ChromeOS Flex.

At Revolgy, we have tested legacy hardware dating back over 10 years, and ChromeOS Flex works like a charm (with the exception of one device from 2006, but that was an edge case to prove the point of how far the OS is compatible). Drop us a message if you want to discuss the test results. 

Is ChromeOS Flex field-tested?

ChromeOS Flex has been around for a couple of years and is, as such, a mature solution that has been deployed in many scenarios.

In 2022, Nordic Hotels successfully deployed ChromeOS Flex across thousands of their devices in a matter of days, and such success is just an example of this solution’s flexibility. No matter how big an organization is, ChromeOS Flex will always find its use case.

Key benefits for your company

• Cost savings: Why invest in expensive new hardware when you can repurpose your existing devices? ChromeOS Flex offers a budget-friendly solution to your hardware woes. The OS is free, and combined with a Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, you have a securely managed endpoint for less than the price of coffee.
• Enhanced security: ChromeOS is renowned for its security features. Automatic updates, sandboxing, and additional security hardening policies managed straight from your Google Workspace admin console make sure your devices are properly protected against threats.
• Simplified administration: ChromeOS Flex devices, once enrolled, can be easily managed from the same admin console that your admins use for Google Workspace. This allows them to manage the devices as well as enforce crucial security and usability policies on the device level.
• Improved productivity: ChromeOS Flex’s fast boot times, intuitive interface, and seamless integration with Google Workspace applications boost productivity and streamline workflows.
• Environmental sustainability: By extending the life of your hardware, you’re not only saving money but also reducing your company’s environmental footprint.

Use cases

ChromeOS Flex is versatile and adaptable to various business needs. Here are a few examples:

• Knowledge workers: Give your team a cloud-first workspace for easy collaboration and access to online tools. Not every role needs an expensive device — old hardware that would’ve been retired can still do the job.
• Frontline workers: Equip your employees with fast and secure devices for tasks like customer service, point-of-sale transactions, and inventory management.
• Remote workers: Give your remote team lightweight, easy-to-manage devices for secure access to company resources. Whether on the go or traveling for work, a ChromeOS Flex device is the perfect companion — not just for digital nomads.
• Backup devices: Use your idle inventory as temporary or replacement devices for both your workers and guests. Or use it in guest or kiosk mode while still maintaining full control over the device and its security.

For anyone wondering about potential compatibility issues with existing software or the process of migrating data, ChromeOS Flex offers a range of compatibility options and tools to facilitate a smooth transition.

Revolgy, as a certified Google partner, is here to help not only with required licensing but also with introductory consultation in case you want to try out or deploy ChromeOS Flex across your fleet.

Conclusion

ChromeOS Flex presents a compelling solution for companies seeking to get the maximum value of their aging Windows 10 devices. It’s a strategic investment in cost savings, security, productivity, and sustainability.

Don’t let your outdated hardware hold your business back. Explore the possibilities of ChromeOS Flex and discover how it can breathe new life into your company’s IT infrastructure.

If you are interested in learning more, then feel free to contact us for a personalized consultation.

Read also: Preparing for the end of support for Microsoft Exchange 2016 and 2019 servers