Google (News – Alert) Chromebook emerged during the holiday season last year as a device that is designed to be not only affordable ($279), but also simple to use. Built for the cloud era, the idea is to eschew the Microsoft (News – Alert) premise of software in favor of a Web-based, apps-oriented experience that’s more akin to a smartphone or tablet than a traditional laptop. While originally billed as being “for everybody,” including moms, grandpas and two-year-old nieces, they have turned out to appeal to schools and nonprofits too.

In an effort to keep up with the growing adoption of the technology in new sectors, Citrix has created the HTM5 Receiver, allowing Chromebooks and HTML5 enabled browsers to connect to desktops and applications without the need to install a native Citrix client. And, it has built it into the latest version of its VDI-in-a-Box (News – Alert) appliance, version 5.4.

“From an IT administration standpoint, Chromebooks are the ideal access device because there is no local administration needed, the operating system contains a built-in browser, and a minimal amount of malware targeting the Chrome OS reduces the need for security updates and anti-virus software,” said Christopher Louie, in a blog.

Traditionally these organizations have struggled with the cost and complexity of implementing virtual desktop solutions, he added. “One source of these costs and management complexity is the access device used to connect a user to their virtual desktop. The introduction of the Google Chromebook line of products has helped address both cost and management complexity.”

Because Citrix has built the HTML5 receiver into the VDI-in-a-Box appliance, administrators no longer a need to deploy the Storefront product to connect Chromebooks; students and others can access their desktops and applications directly through the Web browsers. When a user with a Chromebook connects to the VDI-in-a-Box login page, VDI-in-a-Box will detect if the access device needs the HTML5 receiver in order to connect and seamlessly direct the user there. He or she can then automatically log into the HTML5 receiver site and the desktop will launch in a browser window.

For more on this topic as well as other major innovations in HTML5, join us at DevCon5 December 10-11 in Los Angeles/Universal City, California.