Gubuntu- Google and Linux

Gubuntu, Glinux or Ginux could all be worthy names if Google were to seriously consider entering the platform battle. A more united and professional Linux front headed by a behemoth such as Google could help Linux achieve a mainstream market.

Dell's move to offer computers with linux instead of the standard windows configuration is indicatory of future trends. Dell has realized it needs to listen more carefuly to what consumers and business wants, instead of complying to the usual Microsoft platform hegemony. Google's wellestablished name and market access could act as a fitting catalyst to make this possible. A linux strategy would make them more independent from Microsoft and allow them to capture and access a growing market share of Linux based platforms.

Looking at the adoption rates of Apple Computers in family homes, I do believe that Google's venture into the desktop market would come at the right time. Many current computer users either have to opt for a new pc to comply with the hefty standards of Microsoft Vista or instead buy an Apple. Google could capture significant market share from those people unwilling to buy a new computer, but who are fed up with the limitations of Windows XP.

More and more applications are web based, therefore an OS should only serve as a platform to serve those applications. This platform should be secure, lean and efficient. Currently XP and Vista are far too clunky to offer the support and dedication that a web based platform requires. The internet, not the OS, is the sandbox of human-computer and human-human interaction. Microsoft only seems to accept this unwillingly with their OS. On the other hand, Xbox 360 is a far better future oriented product than Vista will ever be.

Coming back to Google, they do have the pockets and engineers to make Gubuntu or Glinux possible. As both a mac and pc user I can only applaud it if this ever happens.