Five ways that ChromeOS improves Microsoft office 365 web app. Businesses must embrace the web if they want to modernize and satisfy employee demands. According to 78% of IT respondents in a Forrester study, businesses that don’t adopt the web would lag behind. Through the use of web applications, ChromeOS can be the driving force behind an organization’s improvements in security, IT management, user experience, and IT-related expenses.
Microsoft office 365 Web apps inherit ChromeOS’s security protections without further software, and unlike desktop apps on other operating systems, they keep their data and software current and managed. These benefits apply to Chromebooks running Microsoft 365 web programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
It has improved the Microsoft 365 web app experience on ChromeOS to provide a recognizable experience without sacrificing IT. Microsoft 365 online apps are being used by clients like FedEx throughout their ChromeOS fleet in order to satisfy their security requirements. These apps leverage capabilities like data loss prevention and maintain user productivity.
5 ways that ChromeOS improves Microsoft 365
ChromeOS improves the Microsoft 365 experience for businesses in the following five ways:
ChromeOS users can now access Microsoft office 365 web apps with a recognizable, desktop-like interface
Typically, Microsoft office 365 web apps are only accessible via a browser like a website. And just to begin modifying a file, there are several processes involved. As seen in the above example, Microsoft 365 web apps can appear and function similarly to desktop programs on Chromebooks. Users can save time and simplify access by simply clicking to open them from the ChromeOS app tray instead of having to navigate to the M365 login page and locate the desired application.
ChromeOS devices can be configured to automatically log into Microsoft 365 apps using SSO enabled by third-party providers like Microsoft EntraID
End customers can use the same login credentials for all of their business services to access their Chromebook when SSO integration is in place. Without having to reauthenticate, the customer only needs to log into the Chromebook once to access their services, including their Microsoft 365 web apps.
The ChromeOS Files app can be connected with Microsoft OneDrive
The ChromeOS Files app allows users to view their Microsoft OneDrive files directly. Because of this connectivity, users can stay focused on their tasks by having files readily available, attached to emails with a simple drag and drop, and opened by Microsoft 365.
ChromeOS devices can be configured to use OneDrive storage exclusively, removing the need for local data storage
IT administrators can configure the Chromebook such that all of the device’s files are automatically saved to OneDrive rather than the device itself. Administrators can disable local storage on ChromeOS devices and make sure all downloads and screenshots are automatically saved to OneDrive.
IT administrators can easily configure all of these functionalities using the Google Admin console
IT administrators may pre-configure a company’s Microsoft 365 environment with rules via the Google Admin panel, guaranteeing that Microsoft 365 apps “just work” for end users. Configurations consist of:
- Account limitations and SSO integration.
- ChromeOS integrations for OneDrive.
- Automatic file uploads to OneDrive and file type connection with Office for the web
- Turn off Quick Office and Basic Editor.
- Set up automatic file uploads for downloads and screenshots to OneDrive and disable local storage.
- M365 web apps can be pre-installed and pinned to users’ task bars.
Microsoft 365 online apps are being used by clients like FedEx throughout their ChromeOS fleet in order to satisfy their security requirements while maintaining user productivity.
On ChromeOS devices, use cloud storage as your only storage choice
Summary
You can designate a cloud storage service, such Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, as the only choice for data storage for ChromeOS devices in your company by using the Google Admin console as an administrator. Consequently, you will remove the ability for users to access their devices’ local storage.
The advantages of moving to cloud-only storage:
- Stops locally stored data from being lost as a result of user error, software malfunctions, or hardware malfunctions.
- This lowers the possibility of data compromise when using cloud storage choices that don’t have a local cache.
- Your company is more equipped to handle future legal holds and business audits.
enables smooth operation in settings with shared devices.
What you require
- ChromeOS devices using Chrome Enterprise Upgrade or Chrome Education Upgrade and running version 132 or later are part of your organisation.
- Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive on ChromeOS devices.
