Ignore Google OS at your peril
Your article makes interesting reading and I cannot really comment on the technical aspect of the operating system. However, I do think you are missing an almighty point about the future of Google OS.
Yes they are currently rolling out on mobile [Android] and Netbook [Chrome OS] but a full desktop version cannot be ruled out. To do that they need to get the support of a major hardware manufacturer which is not out the realms of possibility. With major hardware suppliers struggling in this market, the potential opportunity to place an operating system on their machines in return for a slice of the related advertising income [I'm speculating slightly] vs. paying MS for the honour of installing their OS could be an attractive option with a new revenue stream. Google announces hardware partners this morning [http://thenextweb.com/2009/07/09/google-announces-partners-acer-hp-moreitwi/] Or Google could just buy an ailing manufacturer - they have the financial muscle to do so.
What we also need to pay attention to is the fact that Chrome OS is the culmination of many smaller but important Google milestones, from Gmail through to Writely, Apps and the browser itself. All tools that can be used independently but can be put together to form the basis of an operating system - or at least a basic infrastructure that will allow the average computer user to do what they need to do.
Google is also heading along the same path in its social plans, again using Gmail, Picassa, Orkut, purchasing Jaiku - at some point these get stuck together to make one almighty 'beast' which will just beat the market.
Whilst Google may not have the technical OS pedigree, never underestimate their ability to make money which can buy skills or companies to help in their masterplan.
http://www.jamieriddell.com/2009/07/google-operating-system-is-sign-of-future-intent/
Biting the hand that feeds IT
