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Google to release cloud-based OS?
By
Vito Cassisi
,
25/8/2008 10:36:17
With web search, e-mail, video, marketplace, and the recently released mobile-based Android, it seems that there is only one more big target Google has left to hit – a fully fledged operating system. But could they really pull this off?
What started as a revolutionary search engine has expanded into the web 2.0 scene, gracing the Internet with its slick design, streaming video services, social networking portals, and an abundance of online facilities. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the Internet is serious business for advertisers, and Google has taken advantage of its significant online presence with its largely successful Adsense advertising. The omnipotent nature of Google in the online arena gives it a financial and influential advantage over its competition – while competitors (notably Microsoft) scamper to take a foothold in this online phenomenon, attempting to snatch some of the revenue pie and make up what little ground they can on Google. It’s this online dominance that Google can use to step into the world of operating systems. And it will likely revolve around cloud technology.
Firstly let us explain the concept of ‘cloud computing’. In the future – and to an extent at this very moment – vast amounts of servers will be harnessed to store personal media, software, and documents in what is known as the ‘cloud’. The purpose of the cloud is to create an environment where any PC will be a portal to your personal data via the Internet medium. An example is Photoshop Express; albeit cut down, it’s an online version of Photoshop image manipulation software. As time progresses, software will continually port to online equivalents. The advantage being that alongside your documents, you can access everything you need from the Internet, and synchronise information (such as calendars) between devices (such as PDAs and laptops) across the globe. Google is in a prime position to promote the cloud concept, and what better way to tackle the emerging market than producing a dedicated cloud OS?
There are several possibilities that could be explored with a Google cloud OS, such as a desktop OS, U3 OS, or basic client software.
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Comments
Ivan
not sure why you keep guys talking about these online OSs without actually mentioning the ones that are already on-line and usable. Google is not the only game in town. see here for a list: http://franticindustries.com/2006/12/21/big-webos-roundup-10-online-operating-systems-reviewed/
8/26/2008 3:17:20 PM
Damian Francis
But it's certainly the only one that could make a splash against OS X and Windows. That's the point of the article. In terms of a potential challenger to the big guns, this could be it.
8/26/2008 3:58:55 PM
Roger H
Repeat this three times: "Google Apps make the OS irrelevant" Good, now why would they want to reinvent something they have already made irrelevant?
8/27/2008 5:01:25 PM
Jimbo
I hope people boycott google, they engage in censorship for China. Whats to stop them from doing it here?
8/27/2008 7:28:42 PM
Vito Cassisi
"Google Apps make the OS irrelevant" "Google Apps make the OS irrelevant" "Google Apps make the OS irrelevant" Nope, you still need an OS to access Google services. The article is about the possibility of Google entering, and perhaps even dominating the OS scene. You still need an OS to access the Internet, afterall. :)
8/27/2008 7:42:55 PM
Roger H
Irrelevant == Does not matter. Irrelevant != Is not needed.
8/27/2008 8:37:22 PM
Vito Cassisi
That is correct, however, the article is a hypothetical regarding Google producing an OS. I don't see how Google Apps makes the OS irrelevant in the article. Yes, Google Apps functions on all OSs anyway, however the point is that Google can use this as a leverage point to get into the market.
8/27/2008 11:56:02 PM
Damian Francis
@ Jimbo: Mate, that's a far too simplistic approach to a very controversial topic. I think you'll find it's more Chinese law that is enforcing censorship rather than Google willingly going along with it for no good reason.
8/28/2008 7:47:06 AM
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