First the facts – Google has officially announced its latest and most over-hyped project yet – the Chrome OS. Google Chrome OS is touted as an open source ang lightweight OS specifically geared for netbooks. Google will be launching it in partnership with netbook manufacturers. And Google Chrome was built upon the Google Chrome platform, or in other words it is basically Google Chrome running on its own withouth Windows XP or Vista.
When Google officially announced it, the online media went gaga that the sites covering it almost filled up Techmeme’s main page. And the most obvious point raised by some of the write-ups was the fact that Google Chrome OS might just be a Windows XP killer. Do you agree?
Frankly, I don’t. Many have also said that Google Chrome (the browser) will be an IE killer. But it never did kill IE. Maybe not yet but I don’t think can do this task any sooner.
Google Chrome OS is targetting the current most popular niche in the tech market – netbooks. Why? Because it’s the hottest trend right now. Lesser known open-source OS such as Linux and its variants have become the buzz word lately – thanks to netbooks. So it’s the best way for Google to launch this OS. Will it replace Windows XP or perhaps Windows 7? Certainly not. Netbook users are composed of both technologically inclined users and the “pure” consumers. The latter would still prefer Windows flavor on their netbooks because of familiarity with the system. Those who are technology savvy consumers might try out netbooks with Google Chrome OS, but maybe out of curiosity only. So, Google Chrome OS will not likely beat Windows XP at this argument.
Another reason why Google Chrome OS will not beat Windows XP is the fact that Microsoft’s clout in enterprise computing is still growing stronger. Most of Windows XP’s revenue comes from enterprise subscription. And it is very unlikely that Google Chrome will be adapted in the corporate setting. Google Chrome’s userbase in the enterprise setting is still insignificant. Even Firefox, a more establish browser is having a hard time penetrating the enterprise, but to no avail.
So if Google Chrome OS won’t kill Windows XP, who will? Microsoft still, with its upcoming Windows 7 OS.