Google has introduced new controls for its Chrome browser that will enable IT administrators to configure, customize and deploy the company’s latest release in the enterprise space. The goal is to help businesses take advantage of Chrome’s increased security, speed and enhanced capabilities, such as HTML5, while meeting each organization’s specific business requirements.
For example, Google now offers an MSI installer that will enable IT administrators to use standard deployment tools to install Chrome for all managed users, noted Google Product Manager Glenn Wilson and Google software engineer Daniel Clifford. “And we’re working hard on polishing the next set of policies that will make Google Chrome even more customizable and useful to users in the future,” they wrote in a blog.
Policies and Templates
Over the past few months, Google has been testing Chrome with IT administrators in large organizations, from Vanguard and Boise State University to Proctor & Gamble and Google itself. “We have already successfully deployed Chrome to thousands of users,” Wilson and Clifford wrote. “They’ve provided us with excellent feedback, and we’re continuing to work on the next set of features that they’ve requested.”
Google now offers several managed group policy controls, including a blacklist and whitelist for extensions, default home page and search criteria, and a password manager. IT administrators also will be able to choose how to specify proxy server settings as well as enable a variety of Chrome functions such as autofill, JavaScript and safe browsing.
What’s more, the Internet search giant is providing enterprises with Chrome policy templates showing which registry keys can be set to configure the browser, and what the acceptable values would be. According to Google, Chrome relies on the values set in these registry keys to determine how to act.
Additionally, Google is encouraging businesses to check out the Chrome browser…