Google vs Microsoft again

Google is set to challenge Microsoft's dominance with Windows in the operating system market.

The launch of the Chrome OS, set for 2010, will initially be aimed at the low cost Netbook laptops and will deliver "speed, simplicity and security" - three factors Windows has not always been renowned for!

The aim is to get from startup to browsing the web in just seconds, rather than the frustrating minutes that a traditional Windows launch can take.  As Windows OS were designed when there was no web in existence, Google are taking it back to basics and designing a new product fit for the current age.

Stephen Shankland at CNET said the move had widespread implications.

"One is that it shows just how serious Google is about making the web into a foundation not just for static pages but for active applications, notably its own such as Google Docs and G-mail.

"Another: it opens new competition with Microsoft and, potentially, a new reason for anti-trust regulators to pay close attention to Google's moves."

This is a full-on onslaught against Microsoft's monopoly and will be very interesting to see Google's progress in 12 to 24 months time.