Is Google Chrome a real threat to Microsoft?
The battles between Google and Microsoft – after the last bouts of Google vs. Bing and Chrome vs. IE where next?
Well it seems that Google has just announced Google Chrome OS and it’s there attempt at designing and delivering a lightweight OS aimed at the net-community. In their own words:
“Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Later this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. Because we’re already talking to partners about the project, and we’ll soon be working with the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone understands what we are trying to achieve”
As exciting as this may be – I do not get the impression that this will be revolutionary – after all in Google’s words, “The software architecture is simple — Google Chrome running within a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel.”. They are taking a mature base, Linux and then building on top a new framework and UI that is suited to the person that lives on the web. This is akin to a new windowing system for Linux – not a new OS.
You can just imagine that the Chrome OS will boot straight onto the net, with integration for GMail, Google Docs, Google Maps, Google Wave and all other things Google.
It’s obvious that Google will attack the netbook market first – and I can see these small, lightweight devices becoming more powerful and common-place.
Does Google pose a real threat to Microsoft OS and other OS platforms – I think not. Microsoft with Windows 7 and beyond will remain and more than likely still dominate; as it continues to roll out almost by default. However, a new bread of OS will emerge to compete against Microsoft; fronted by the net-socialite. What I see in Google Chrome is a lightweight OS where CPU intensive applications are not the order of the day, where business users have the power to do what they want; when they want. Google Chrome OS will be the lightweight alternative – booting quickly and connected online in an instance. Great for the bread of socialite internet users. But it’s Open Source, free – as the take-up and spread will be quick and swift!
So whilst Google does not pose a threat to Microsoft in terms of technology – they may seem to be giving the public a tool that is desperately needed. Which may prove to cut both Windows (and Macintoshes’) share in the market. I for one would love a device that booted quickly, had me on the net in seconds and then was able to retrieve email and present that PowerPoint slide deck; with no fuss and no messing about!
(http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html)
6 Responses
Leave a Reply
Dave is a 30-something year old technologist and professional working and living in the UK. Ever since he first sat down at a computer keyboard back in the early ‘80s he has been hooked on technology – good and proper! Now-a-days he works within the software business with a fast paced organisation evangelising how technology can help save us all time, and make us money! Dave’s wife and 2 kids tend not to share this enthusiasm and believes that he is just playing!
The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer.
i think you should re-write this part
“booting quickly and online connected even quicker.”
really sounds like “your own net before the OS have even booted” :p
Thanks – I’ve edited the post.
I’ve never thought this before, but I could see myself using this. My day to day use of my system is really all about web, email with some document creation, ala Word and Powerpoint. This wouldn’t be a solution for many, but for most???
The more that I think about it – I think that this is a great idea. Lightweight, web based environment – would be cool. Not for power-apps but social-media and internet-living, spot on.
I have tried using Chrome OS in one of my desktop PC’s, the overall performance is above average to excellent .
i have tested chrome os both at home and at work, it does not seem to be better than ubuntu~”