Google Announced this week, the development of a new Open Source and Free PC Operating System, called Chrome. Google's new browser for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux is also called Chrome. Google suggestes, that it sees the traditional Desktop Operating Systems as outdated and it wants to develop a true Internet age platform. The OS is based on Linux at the core, but will have a new user interface layer, which will use Internet development languages to write applications for it. Why did Google do this? Well, if we look at the struggle Hardware provider have to place a OS on Netbooks, we can understand why: Sony's New Netbook uses Windows XP, but also ha a quick email and browser function, which can boot in seconds. This functions is based upon Linux. Microsoft itself did not see the proper answer for modern Operating Systems, after its failed attempts to place Vista, it quickly changed the approach and speed up development of Winows 7. A much faster and more nimble operating system. This is the first time in MS History, to develop something which needs less. What do we need? As Private or Corporate Users we wonder, why it is so difficult to give us, what we already have on SmartPhones: E-Mail, Calendar, Browser with a switch of a button. Why do I have to wait 10 or more minutes for an Operating System - even MacOS - to boot up. The only OSes who at least tried to change, was RedHat and Ubuntu with their X Seconds boot approach. Ok its tough with 100 years old source code, but hey' nobody ask me for my problems either. Get over it OS manufacturers. When I pay for an OS - I want it good! If its Free (Ubuntu), I could compromise (but actually don't have to nowadays). The other functions, which many especially corporate users, but also even myself would really like is, that everything I do on my desktop (create files, emails, settings, etc.) can be stored remotely and what ever computer I login to, I can get to all my files and settings. I would pay for that service! Mobile.Me from Aplle is trying this and of course its an issue with huge data (movies, pictures, Power Point, Games...), but is still a bit further away from a truly "online desktop." Will it work on different hardware? Linux had issues with this ... Google avoids some issues in the "Linux Economoy": Google already has support of 10 hardware vendors, who are participating in the development. One of the issues of Linux always was the support of NEW HARDWARE, because drivers are released first for Windows. My Linux Computers at home support legacy hardware (old scanners, printers) even windows does not support anymore, but buy a brand new laptop ("day 1") with new chips and you'll need help to make it work. It also takes up the lessons learned from Mobile Operating Systems Android, PalmPre, and even iPhone and Windows ME. In the end a Window Interface which uses internet technologies for writing applications allows quick uptake on users and global usability. Given that most new corporate applications are indeed browser applications (event "fat client applications" can be written within a browser operable framework), why I need all the stuff I have nowadays in my OS, which takes ages to load. Why is this important? Now Google won't get 99.9% marketshare on Laptops or Desktops, but its a sign of a dramatcially changing IT Market. What we "knew" about Technology changed or is about to change. New paradigms are being developed. Google set's the trend and will encourage others to follow. This in turn will put pressure on Microsoft, Apple, and also Linux, to emulate this trend. The worst thing for Microsoft would be, if Windows 7 is failing, as Vista did. Google OS does not help the success of W7. For the corporate and private consumer, this is good news! More selections, more options, and a more rapid advancement on IT Platforms will benefit computer users. What will happen for OSs? One of the key capabilities Google Chrome OS will offer is the ability to be hardware independent. Loggin in and optionally having the ability that all settings, data, and applications are just loading from servers. Will be a significant plus (Security, Availability, Hardware independence, etc.). Corporate: This will be big for corporate users. Companies using browser based applications, can be rather cheap hardware with the ability to be a full client, but almost at a price of a traditional computer versus "Terminals." The ability to run software remotely, avoids issues, cost and skill by using Citrix and windows terminal licenses. The best strategic advise to corporate users: Do Web Applications Only, do not invest in traditional fat client applications, as in the client server age. Consumer: The consumer will probalby not jump in all force on Google OS. Consumers in general have a lot of different needs. The ability to run games is a very important factor, multimedia tools as on MacOs another. Google OS won't have either. The "Netbook" Generation will find Google OS most compelling, as it will be almost instantly "on". People who need E-Mail, Office, Browsing will be most pleased with this .. Google's ability to move software vendors to provide additional software for its platform. Popular software, like iTunes, Games, adobe, etc will be most important, to ensure success. http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html