Google's New Operating System Will Be Interesting to See

So Google (GOOG) have announced that they are taking on Microsoft (MSFT) directly with what will initially be a simple operating system for low end PCs, an area where Microsoft are particularly vulnerable with their bloatware operating system. Windows Vista has been a disaster for Microsoft, with millions of users voting with their wallets not to use it. This has forced Microsoft to do a Lazarus act with Windows XP and to rush out Windows 7 to fix the problem.

Of course Google already have an operating system that is working perfectly well on lots of low end PCs, and that is Android. So it will be interesting to see what the new OS, which is using the Chrome brand, does differently. Are Google duplicating efforts or do they have something rather special up their sleeves? This anomaly is fascinating.

The one caveat we have whenever talking about Google is that most of their products are not very successful, mainly because Google have a dire marketing philosophy. Search succeeded largely by word of mouth because there was no viable competition, Android is working because the hardware manufacturers using it are doing the marketing. So the success of this Google Chrome PC operating system will rest with OEM deals. This puts Google head to head with the formidable commercial capabilities of Microsoft.

One thing is for sure, prodding Microsoft with a stick like this is bound to precipitate a reaction.

Comments

[LA Tech]

Forgive me if I Yawn!

Google is attempting to revive the VAPOR WARE game of the 1980's and 90's!

Google hasn't earned a single penny of profit on ANYTHING other than paid search, period!

Given Google's dismal track record in business applications, why would anyone believe that Google will displace MSFT in business applications.

Operating systems are a business application, btw!

Just look what Google did with Postini. Google gutted the revenue, goodwill, and people that made Postini famous within the entire IT population.

Wake me up when Chrome ships, if ever!

2009 Jul 08 09:05 AM

[Annualgain]

Anybody know what the revenue model will be for Chrome OS? Is there one?

2009 Jul 08 09:22 AM

[Hayweed]

Goog to MSFT: "Stay out of search or we will bury you."

2009 Jul 08 10:24 AM

[Respirate]

Aside from the investment-side concerns for their business model (or lack thereof), I've found Chrome, the browser, to be not only fast, but also rock solid stable -- most surprising given that it's new. It's also a feat never achieved by Microsoft in anything.

What concerns me most about web-centric computing is durability and availability. Despite its robust and redundant structure, the internet links can fail at many places between an individual station and the destination software application sites. Will it be available when you must do something?

Intentional attack is one of multiple vulnerabilities:
This today: "The powerful attack that overwhelmed computers at U.S. and South Korean government agencies for days was even broader than initially realized, also targeting the White House, the Pentagon and the New York Stock Exchange. Other targets of the attack included the National Security Agency, Homeland Security Department, State Department, the Nasdaq stock market ...".

--R

2009 Jul 08 01:19 PM

[TCK]

If it anything like search, you will be clicking through 5 advertisements before you get to the desktop !

2009 Jul 09 08:02 AM