In a strategic move to bolster its ChromeOS ecosystem, Google has acquired Cameyo, a software virtualization company renowned for its expertise in delivering Windows applications through virtualization. This acquisition underscores Google’s commitment to deeply integrating virtualized Windows app support into ChromeOS, providing businesses with a seamless transition path away from traditional Windows environments or enabling a hybrid approach by introducing ChromeOS devices into their existing infrastructure.
Google’s partnership with Cameyo dates back to last year when the two companies collaborated to deliver a virtual application experience for legacy Windows desktop apps, seamlessly integrated into ChromeOS. This integration encompassed local file system access, progressive web app integration for virtual apps, and enhanced clipboard support, effectively blurring the lines between virtualized and native applications.
Cameyo’s Virtual App Delivery (VAD) technology, now under Google’s ownership, is tailored for businesses seeking to migrate away from Windows or adopt a multi-platform approach by incorporating ChromeOS devices. By virtualizing Windows applications, VAD allows these applications to run alongside Chrome and other web apps, providing a unified experience without exposing the underlying Windows operating system.
According to Robb Henshaw, co-founder and CMO of Cameyo, the acquisition paves the way for even deeper integration of these virtualized applications into ChromeOS. Henshaw envisions further enhancements to not only elevate the end-user experience but also simplify the deployment and distribution of these apps for IT administrators, streamlining the overall management process.
As an increasing number of applications embrace cloud-based and web technologies, Google recognizes a significant opportunity to entice businesses to consider ChromeOS as a viable alternative to Windows, particularly with the improved virtualized app support facilitated by Cameyo’s technology. This strategic move aligns with Google’s broader mission to drive Chromebook adoption in the education and business sectors, following a lukewarm response from consumers to ChromeOS in its early years.
