Chromebook charge on Microsoft's heartland

Google has used the end of XP to mount a charge on Microsoft's enterprise heartland, knocking US$100 off the price of the device.

In a blog post, Google Enterprise president Amit Singh wrote: "I remember when XP was released in 2001 – it seemed like a revolution that introduced computers to a whole new generation.

"But fast forward 13 years and we live in a very different world, one in which we expect the latest and greatest software, and the ability to access our stuff from anywhere."

Until 30 June, companies that buy Chromebooks for Business will get $100 off for each managed device.

The company has also added deals for users that require desktop apps, with $200 off Chromebooks for Business with VMware Desktop as a Service and 25 percent off Citrix XenApp Platinum Edition, "which includes AppDNA software for accelerating Windows XP migration", wrote Singh.

"In addition to the nearly 30 percent of desktops still running XP, many businesses are in a tough spot. Despite “significant” security and privacy risks, legacy software or custom-built apps have held businesses back from migrating in time for [the] XP support deadline. Companies in this position now find themselves at a timely crossroads."

According to Net Marketshare, XP still has a 27.7 percent global footprint, while Stat Counter puts the figure at 18.6 percent.

The discount offer comes as ABI Research revealed continued growth for Chromebook even as PC sales continue to slide, with worldwide shipments down 1.7 percent, according to Gartner.

Gartner's definition of PCs does not include Chromebooks.

ABI said that an estimated 2.1 million Chromebooks shipped in 2013 – mostly in North America and forecast a 28 percent increase of the compound annual growth rate to 11 million in 2019.

Research analyst Stephanie Van Vactor said: "ABI Research tracked Chromebooks across six regions and found the average selling price to be US$338.

"This truly budget-driven device is a disruptive force to the portable PC market.”

According to ABI, this average selling price and shipment growth of Chromebooks "shows the market responding to products for the budget conscious; a reaction from a slowly reviving economy along with interest from the education business vertical".