Google's secret operating system

Reports have spread about a possible new operating system in use at Google, one its employees have been using to browse the Web.

There are all sorts of theories about what Google is up to (from a port of Android to the desktop to a new software-as-a-service infrastructure), but I like OStatic's synopsis and theory most:

Android ported to the PC--or even the 2006-era dream of a "Goobuntu" desktop--are, of course, possible, but if not overly costly for Google to undertake, would at least be major time investments. Those sorts of investments might pay off over time, but a software-as-a-service product (one "to use as an infrastructure for network applications that could be deployed virtually anywhere") gives Google an advantage in the operating-system market, should have a faster return on investment, and complements the free services Google already offers.

I don't see Google coming out with a desktop operating system anytime soon, though I think that longer term, an Ubuntu-Google desktop makes a lot of sense. But building out an open-source infrastructure for network applications? That seems to fit the Google playbook.

While Google seeks to cut costs as its growth slows, it's likely that its technology bets will be a bit more conservative for the near term. A SaaS bet is safer and, hence, more likely, at least in the short term.

[gjleger]

I very much doubt google has a "secret" operating system other than the personalized Linux they use for servers.

So... what are we seeing in server logs from Google?

Just check this other new story: "Firefox 3.1 Beta 2 Adds Private Browsing"

Hint! Hint!

[gonumber2539]

Folks, Google already is becoming an OS. There search bar is a form of CLI (command line interpreter) allowing all sorts of magic to be performed if you know what to type, for example, Define: Term. They are bit by bit adding features to their web apps (Tasks today to Gmail). No annoying 'Flashy' GUIs, just fairly good web standards based features. And we all know that a 'service' based on standards that are not politically locked, garden walled, manipulated et al is the way forward for maximum accessibility and practicality. Remember, the real power of any entity or system is knowledge. Google are harvesting the planet (and your mind) for data and then allowing that data to be extracted to deliver solutions. And solutions are what operating systems are supposed to deliver. The network is the OS is the app!

Way to Go(ogle)!