Google's new Chrome operating system (OS) will be good for people who live on the Internet. However, Joburg Centre of Software Engineering (JCSE) head Barry Dwolatzky questions whether it will be good for developing economies.
Two days ago, the US Internet search giant announced it had released the first version of its Chrome OS, aimed at netbooks, which are mainly used for accessing the World Wide Web.
Chrome OS comes on the back of Google's release of its Chrome Browser, nine months ago, and - while it remains a distant third behind rivals such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Mozilla's Firefox -30 million people are already using it.
Google says its new operating system is separate from its open source Android operating system aimed at the smart mobile phone market. Chrome OS will be compatible with Intel and ARM chipsets that are specifically designed for low power consumption - a feature that is particularly important for small netbook-type computers.
Dwolatzky, who has used the Chrome Browser, but not the new operating system, says Google's plans fit in nicely with the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model that has been floating around for a number of years.
“Just speaking from some limited experience using Chrome Browser, the idea is that applications sit on the Internet and not on the actual computer. This is a good idea as people only access what they need when they need it,” he notes.
Dwolatzky says the new operating system will also help lessen the stranglehold Microsoft has on the market and provides a viable alternative to open source operating system Linux, which, for some, is difficult to use.
However, his main concern is that software can also be related to culture and this could have an impact on developing economies, such as SA's.
“Users of computers set the culture on how that software is used. This applies to companies, organisations and countries as a whole. How a Chinese person's culture influences how he or she uses the software and what software where and when is important. People develop software that relates directly to their culture.”
Dwolatzky says SA's influence in the global software environment is so small that it will have little impact on how a global player like Google will cater for this country.
He also points out that, while netbooks and the concept of using the Internet to access applications is a great idea in developed countries, it faces more challenges in SA and the rest of the continent.
“We still have issues with regard to bandwidth and connectivity, and this will limit the uptake and the usefulness of the SaaS model here,” Dwolatzky says.
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