Google Chrome OS

Google Chrome OS

This week Google has given the world a first look at the new computer operating system, Chrome OS.

The Chrome OS, based on the Chrome browser, will strip away any requirement for local storage. Reliant on Google’s cloud computing delivery of documents, emails and files, the Chrome OS will act as a gateway to the browser interface.

With the requirement for local storage diminished, advantages for businesses are clear. Lower cost, lower power consumption and less dependency on IT departments. Devices, such as notebooks, notepads or even desktops become zero touch with almost a throwaway feel.

“Over the past few years, people have been spending more and more of their time online doing more and more powerful things, and we wanted to build a fundamentally different computing experience built for the way we use the web today,” said Sundar Pichai, Google’s vice president of product management. “With Google Chrome OS, we’ve made computing faster, easier and safer than ever before.”

Limited functionality, no Skype or iTunes for example, and the dependency on always on internet connection will be a major factor for a lot of customers to venture or not into the cloud.