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What Chrome really means

Posted on 14 Nov 2008 at 12:10

So far, Google Gears has been presented primarily as a database system to allow web-based applications to work offline. But Google is now pushing it as a stepping stone to better cross-platform web services.

The long game

Of course, Chrome won't kill Windows any time soon. You still need an OS to run the browser, and for now Chrome runs only on Windows XP and Vista, although Macintosh and Linux versions are promised.

Even then, Windows will be far from defunct. There remains a huge range of Windows software with no direct online equivalent, and that's before you get into knotty questions of hardware support.

Nevertheless, "cloud computing" is already stealing ground from Microsoft. An obvious example is the Splashtop desktop built into various Asus netbooks. If you just want to use web-based services, you can boot into a minimal networked Linux system in a few seconds and use a browser from there. The Linux version of Chrome will only make this environment more versatile.

Chrome is a perfect fit for the burgeoning netbook market. Lightweight devices such as the Asus Eee PC and the MSI Wind would struggle to run a full installation of Windows Vista and Office 2007, but the streamlined Chrome environment can encourage powerful online applications while placing far lesser demands on the local system. And once the Linux port of Chrome is available, all this will be available without paying a penny to Microsoft or anyone else, enabling manufacturers to further lower netbook prices.

So while Chrome may look like an almost incidental release, it's actually a strategic move with repercussions far beyond the immediate browser market. It positions Google for a direct assault on the market leader - and serves notice that the attack, when it comes, will be supported by state-of-the-art technology and incredible brand loyalty. Microsoft has plenty to fear.

Next: What's under the bonnet?

Back to "Google Chrome: The complete guide"

Author: Barry Collins, Tim Danton & Darien Graham-Smith