Google Chromebooksalready have momentum in schools. Now, thanks to aGoogle-Synnex partnershipinvolving the Chrome Management Console, that momentum may accelerate even faster. Here’s why.

Chromebooks are web-centric notebooks that run Google Apps and other SaaS applications. Acer, HP, Lenovo and Samsung are gaining momentum selling Chromebooks — which commanded about 21 percent of notebook sales last year, according to NPD. Chrome Management Console is a cloud-based tool that allows IT administrators to maintain the mobile devices.

Several of the world’s Top 100 Cloud Services Providers — including Cloud Sherpas — offer Chromebooks to their customers. But thousands of additional Google Apps resellers have yet to get started with the devices. And the broader IT channel — including Windows notebook partners — have yet to touch a Chromebook.

Meanwhile, many businesses and schools aren’t really familiar with the management console and related IT management processes. That’s where Synnex — a massive technology distributor — enters the picture. Well-known to VARs and technology resellers, Synnex helps IT consultants to source and deploy complex hardware and software solutions. In recent years, the company has also built out a cloud services business for partners — called CloudSolv.

Chromebook Management Made Easier?

Now Synnex is introducing a range of Chrome Management Console services to help resellers and customers to more rapidly deploy, activate and manage Chromebooks — particularly in North American schools. According to a prepared statement, the services include:

• Pre-sales Consultation – SYNNEX offers solution providers and their school district customers a high level of consultation from inception through their consideration of Chromebook deployments. The goal is to develop a campus that is optimized for Chromebook deployment success and teacher adoption. Predictive and on–site wireless assessments are available, as well as Chrome Management Console set-up for first time deployments and proof-of-value school trials.
• Full Pre-deployment Service – SYNNEX updates Chromebooks, sets network settings and delivers Chromebooks pre-enrolled to the school district, ready to turn on and start using in the classroom upon arrival.
• End-User Concierge Desk – SYNNEX offers ongoing end-user technical support for teachers and administrators to inquire about usage or updates on behalf of the solution provider.
• Onsite Teacher Training – Enabling the biggest factor for success, SYNNEX offers teacher training so they are ready to use the curriculum.  SYNNEX conducts trainings onsite to not only understand the technology, but how to incorporate it into the curriculum.

The VAR Guy, our sister site, says the on-site teacher training is the biggest piece of the puzzle that Synnex and its channel partners will fill in. Generally speaking, Google and its resellers know how to rapidly configure and deploy thousands of Chromebooks across K-12 school settings. The bigger challenge is making sure teachers and school administrators have mastered the devices and their potential use-cases.

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