Google is the undisputed king of search engines on the web, but its presence in the operating system is minuscule. Being
so closely associated with the internet, Google is trying hard to make an inroad into the operating system that is the domain of Microsoft Corporation. It did launch Chrome sometimes back, which could not snatch the faith of the consumers so engrossed in Windows.
The company has announced its intention of developing a new operating system based on its nine months old Chrome operating system, which they named Chrome OS. They think this system would be in a position to compete with Microsoft’s Windows, when it is launched. The optimistic assessment of Google would work or not, time will tell, but the pundits in the field believe that the resistance of changing from one operating system to a new one would be tough. Hence, the familiar Windows operating system in millions of personal computers would continue without a threat form Google. Windows operating system has become a household name, not only in US, also in almost all countries in the world. It is not surprising that Microsoft is the leader in the operating system with 70% market share; where as the Chrome of Google launched almost before three quarters of a year could not make any impact in the market. It currently has a market share of 1.2%. The researcher Net Applications has provided these figures.
Individual net users would be reluctant to change their operating system from Windows to any other system as this system has become synonymous to the operating system. The same can be said for Google’s search engines on the web. Moreover, most current applications are designed to run efficiently in the personal computers with the Windows operating system. Scores of manufacturers that produce printers, cameras, scanners, and other devices would need to develop new softwares to make their units compatible with the new operating system of Chrome OS.
Another important aspect of challenge for Google is that it has to convince the old customers using Windows operating system, which they get along with their PC at the time of buying the PC. People are concerned with the smooth operation of their PCs than thinking too much about the operating system. Therefore, the hard task of Google to capture market share would be harder, according to analysts.
The success of Chrome OS lies in the computer manufacturers throughout the globe. It is they, who have to embrace the Chrome OS, and then only Google would be able to convince consumers for a healthy competition.
Fact remains that unless Google comes out with an operating system incredibly better than Microsoft’s Windows, it would be hard to create an inroad in the consumer community globally.