Google Chrome OS Shows Evolution of Cloud Computing

Have we finally found a real competitor to Microsoft Windows? Ten years ago, the idea of Microsoft losing a significant percentage of market share was almost non-existent. But the announcement of the Google Chrome OS shows how far we have come in ten years.

This move might come as a surprise to some. After all, Google already has an operating system called Android, and Android is poised to make the jump from mobile devices to netbooks. So what's the scoop with Google Chrome OS?

The Chrome OS is being designed from the ground up to be a lightweight operating system whose main purpose is get onto the web. Based on a Linux kernel, it will initially be targeted at netbooks, but should also extend to desktop PCs as well.

Google Chrome OS could also be called the first cloud computing operating system. It will rely completely on web applications to provide its software, which means no app store building small applications just for the Chrome OS.

But don't think you'll be limited to just checking your and surfing the web. Google Chrome OS is a testament to just how far cloud computing has come in the last few years. From solid online word processors like Zoho Writer and Buzzword to spreadsheets like Google Docs and ThinkFree Calc and even online presentation software, we are inching closer and closer to the days when we really don't need software run on our operating system.

Even games are making their way onto the web. The PC used to be a premier platform for games, but because of rampant piracy and the added difficulty of developing for such varied hardware, the game industry shifted towards gaming consoles. But cloud computing is catching the eye of developers as a great new avenue for games, with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR going online and InstantAction providing the gateway to a whole new level of browser-based games. You can even play Quake in your browser.

Cloud computing is severing the ties to traditional software packages, which is why the time might be ripe for an operating system like Google Chrome OS.

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