Google Takes on Microsoft as New Web Based Operating System

Computer World put together this easy to understand explanation of Googles challenge to Microsoft's operating system. Believe me, I'm still going to read the following over a few times so I can truly understand what all this means, but it might be good. I have never disliked Microsoft (I hate Apple more than anything), but if I can work on the computer faster using fewer resouces, great.

Google Inc.'s unveiling of a new browser is not really about trying to outmuscle the other top browsers, it's a key weapon in the company's effort to kill Windows, according to industry observers.
A beta version of the open source browser, called Chrome, is available now. Chrome includes a new JavaScript engine that Google says will power Web applications better and faster than other browsers. Google Gears, which will provide offline access and local storage for Web applications, is also embedded in the browser.

Matt Rosoff, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft, said Chrome could be the key piece in Google's effort to convince users to replaced packaged software with Web applications.

TechCrunch blogger Michael Arrington added that Chrome is "nothing less than a full on desktop operating system that will compete with Windows." Because Google has built its own JavaScript engine, he said, Ajax applications like Gmail and Google Docs should "absolutely roar. When combined with Goolge Gears - which provides offline access to Web apps - Chrome becomes a potential "Windows Killer." Microsoft, meanwhile, is stuck with a bloated closed source browser that they don't even tether to their search engine for fear of more antitrust woes. Google can push their search engine and other web services all day long on Chrome, with no government interference."

Mike Masnick, president and CEO of IT research firm Techdirt, noted that while Google faces a tough battle against Microsoft, Chrome does offer features that can make it more attractive to users than Explorer.

Sheri McLeish, an analyst at Forrester, added that even Microsoft has had challenges trying to get users to switch to their newer browsers. "There is an overall challenge to get people to switch browsers," she said. "[Chrome] doesn't mean anything right now. It is a beta.There is a lot of fanfare without much behind it."

Rosoff added that Google might face challenges getting Chrome distributed. "Google is a powerful brand, but they do need a way to distribute the browser," he added. "If you look at this long term, I don't know how PC makers are going to be about everything moving to the Web."