CTL has published an eBook titled Mastering 1:1 Chromebook Deployments in 2024-25. Below is Chapter 3. The entire eBook can be downloaded here.

Chromebook Deployment for Seamless Integration

Equipping your school with Chromebooks is an exciting step, and deployment is the next challenge. This chapter will guide you through various deployment methods, ensure a smooth transition and maximize the potential of your new technology.

Deployment options:

These are just a few of the options to consider for your deployment, with the benefits and considerations of each.

Onsite deployment.

• Ideal for: smaller deployments, hands-on control, and familiarity with your IT infrastructure.
• Process: IT staff unpacks, configures, and enrolls devices individually.
• Considerations: time-consuming for large deployments, requires technical expertise.

Vendor white glove deployment.

• Ideal for: larger deployments, streamlined experience, reduced IT burden, professional configuration.
• Process: your vendor, like CTL, pre-configures and enrolls devices at their facility, minimizing onsite setup. Options can include asset-tagging, custom branding, battery locking, case application, .csv reconciliation, and other configuration and deployment services.
• Considerations: depending on the vendor, there may be additional cost, requires accurate device pre-configuration information.
• Suggestion: understand what your Chromebook supplier may include for free.

Zero-touch enrollment auto deploy.

• Ideal for: large deployments, minimal IT involvement, automated setup.
• Process: devices automatically configure and enroll upon network connection.
• Considerations: requires compatible network infrastructure, limited customization options.
• Suggestion: understand if your Chromebook supplier may offer pre-configuration of your devices with ZTE for free.

Hybrid approach.

• Ideal for: flexibility, combining different methods based on specific needs.
• Process: utilize a vendor for white glove service for bulk configuration combined with onsite deployment for specialized setups.
• Considerations: requires careful IT group planning and vendor coordination across methods.

Beyond hardware: software licensing and configuration

Seamless deployment involves more than just hardware setup. Consider these crucial software aspects:

• Google Chrome education upgrade licensing. Each Chromebook will require a dedicated license to manage it through your Google domain. To save time, ask if your Chromebook supplier can provide a bundled Google Education Upgrade license for you. This service enables the Chromebook to “see” the license associated with it upon zero-touch enrollment.
• Google Admin console. This central hub manages user accounts, device settings, and security policies. Ask if your Chromebook provider can assist with initial setup and provide ongoing support.
• Google Workspace for education. This is a set of Google tools and services that are tailored for schools and homeschools to collaborate, streamline instruction, and keep learning safe. The core module, Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals, provides tools to aid teaching and learning, such as Classroom, Google Meet, Google Docs, Google Forms, and Google Chat. Additional subscriptions are required for upgraded functionality. You’ll also access your Google Admin console as part of Google Workspace. Some Chromebook OEMs and servicers are authorized to bundle this on a device order for you, including CTL.
• Additional applications. Integrate essential educational apps and tools. Work with your Chromebook vendor for advice on compatible options and potential configuration assistance

Selecting your deployment partner

Working with a partner can greatly smooth your deployment phase. Select a qualified partner that offers full life cycle services to make the most of your investment. Life cycle services to consider include:

• Pre-program planning services. Your partner should be able to offer best practice advice and guidance, credit for trade-ins of old equipment,and advice on device purchase, rental, and leasing programs. CTL is one Chromebook supplier that offers these services free of charge.
• Device configuration and deployment services. A partner can deliver free or premium zero-touch enrollment services with additional services such as case application, asset logging, custom branding, and more. In some cases, partners like CTL can assist with setup, troubleshooting, and user training.
• Warranty and service plans. If you’re planning to maximize the life of your Chromebook investments, no device should go without protection. We offer you this data from research: the majority of Chromebook buyers prefer OEM-expert service. Opt for customizable plans, where you can add and subtract services you need or don’t need, such as the configurable plans offered by CTL on its devices. Be sure to dig into the details of accident protection plans, extended warranties, and battery service plans. Finally, demand free RMA shipping and service turnaround times of less than a week. Partners offering this do exist.
• Continuing care. You’ve bought your device fleet, you’ve had it configured and deployed, and you’ve protected it with a warranty plan. Don’t forget this last step - think about continuing care and your end-of life plan up front, during deployment. Your partner should offer end-of-life refurbishment and recycling, trade-ins, genuine OEM parts for the life of the Google AU, and other ongoing services.

Making the right choice. The best deployment method depends on your school’s unique needs, resources, and technical expertise. Select an expert partner who can help you navigate the options to ensure a successful deployment that minimizes disruption and maximizes impact.

To access our entire eBook titled Mastering 1:1 Chromebook Deployments in 2024-25, go here.