Big Picture vs Omaha (Google Update / Omaha Protocol)

Omaha is the open-source version of Google Update used for products like Chrome on Windows. It defines a client/server update protocol (historically XML-based) and assumes a split between an update control server and download servers/CDNs.

Note: the Google google/omaha repo was archived (read-only) in Aug 2025.

While older versions of Omaha are open-source and free, modern implementations and updated versions typically require expensive consulting services and custom development from third-party providers, which offer server hosting, client setup, and custom solutions.

What Omaha is optimized for

• Large-scale update distribution (Chrome-class update patterns)
• B2C software (consumer-facing applications like browsers)
• Staged rollout concepts (cohorts, throttling ideas)
• A crisp separation between control and download servers (conceptually aligns with Big Picture’s “decision + storage” split)

Where Omaha is strong

• Proven scale (Chrome-class update patterns)
• Staged rollout concepts (cohorts, throttling ideas)
• A crisp separation between control and download servers (conceptually aligns with Big Picture’s “decision + storage” split)

Where Omaha differs from Big Picture

B2C vs B2B orientation

Omaha is optimized for B2C software (consumer-facing applications like browsers) rather than B2B software. It lacks the tenant-aware policy controls, IT-managed modes, and enterprise governance features needed for software vendors selling to businesses, enterprises, and regulated environments.

Cost and operational complexity

While older versions of Omaha are open-source and free, modern implementations require expensive consulting services and custom development. Omaha is famously difficult to operate, secure, and govern in enterprise environments. It is complex to integrate and run outside Google; even community discussions highlight difficulty for non-Google orgs. Organizations typically need to engage third-party consulting services for server hosting, client setup, and custom solutions, which adds significant ongoing costs.

Not a modern “enterprise policy” control plane by default

Omaha is a protocol + updater model; it doesn’t directly provide:

• tenant-aware policy
• explicit IT-managed modes
• a modern signing/KMS posture aligned to SOC2/banking
• vendor-controlled mirrors as a first-class experience

Licensing is out of scope

Omaha doesn’t address license governance, floating licenses, local license servers, etc.

How Big Picture differs

• JSON + signed decisions instead of Omaha XML protocol
• Tenant policy and actionability are first-class (AUTO_INSTALL / NOTIFY / MANAGED_BY_IT)
• Vendor-controlled mirrors are a design goal, not an afterthought
• Licensing leases (PASETO) are integrated and support local license servers
• Modern, minimal integration surface designed for ISVs, not Google-scale operations

Complementary integration

Some customers may want compatibility or a migration story from Omaha:

• Third-party providers offer paid services for Omaha server hosting, client setup, and custom solutions
• Big Picture can provide a migration path for organizations currently using Omaha or considering Omaha-based solutions

Pricing considerations

While older versions of Omaha are open-source and free, modern implementations require expensive consulting services and ongoing support costs from third-party providers. Big Picture provides control + safety with enterprise-grade features, operational support, and governance capabilities as part of a transparent pricing model, avoiding the hidden costs and complexity of Omaha consulting engagements.

Suggested positioning

“Omaha is an updater protocol and client model. Big Picture provides the enterprise control plane around evergreen updates—policy, signing, mirrors, and licensing—without requiring an Omaha clone.”