Google Inc.'s plans for a new operating system based on its Chrome Web browser is a big bet that online programs can eventually surpass desktop software. Now the Internet giant is pushing hard to make that happen, enticing developers to take advantage of several technologies to improve the speed, esthetics and reliability of software running in a Web browser.
Google is trying to spur a new market for software that can run entirely in a Web browser, such as Google Docs. The search giant believes that online applications will be one of its next big businesses, as its core search and search-advertising businesses mature.
But it faces heavy competition, including from rival Microsoft Corp., which Monday announced it will offer online versions of its popular Office software to consumers free.
About time.
Google hopes to change that by accelerating the adoption of HTML 5, the acronym for an extension of the hypertext markup language that is a foundation of the Web. The proposed programming standards -- which are likely years from being finalized, and include technology from Google and others -- are designed to let developers build more advanced applications that can run within a browser.
Indeed; plugins should be a thing of the past.
Google and other backers of HTML 5 believe that over time, plug-ins won't be necessary as browsers become more powerful. A Microsoft spokeswoman said the latest version of the company's Internet Explorer browser already supports some elements of HTML 5 and that Microsoft is also a member of the working group responsible for pushing the standard along.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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