Google gives Chrome business functionality

Google has said Chrome is now fit for business with new features designed to give administrators the control they need.

First off, the search giant has created an MSI installer to allow companies using standard deployment tools to install Google Chrome for all managed users.

Policy management controls will let firms keep a grip on what employees can use the browser for.

Furthermore, administrators can also use a set of templates to customise browser settings to better manage security and privacy.

To get hold of these administrative features, admins need to go through Google Apps for Business either by phone or email as part of their Apps deployment.

"By deploying Google Chrome, organisations can take advantage of improved security and web application performance without needing to upgrade other expensive software licenses or buy new hardware," Google said in a blog.

"Since Google Chrome is the same as the browser on Chrome OS, admins considering Chrome OS for their organisations can start testing their mission-critical web applications by deploying the Google Chrome browser."

Earlier this month, it emerged the first laptops featuring Chrome OS would not be arriving in time for Christmas as had been hoped. In fact, the wait will most likely continue through to the middle of 2011.

Microsoft moves

Meanwhile, rival Microsoft has updated its Bing service as it bids to take some of the search market away from Google.

As part of the refresh, Microsoft has expanded its work with Facebook by including the capability to like' search results.

Maps have been revamped as well as the Redmond firm sought to reduce clutter and make searching maps easier from the desktop.

Bing apps for mobile have also seen improvements designed to "to reflect how customers are using mobile devices," Microsoft said in a blog.