Chrome OS the guinea pig for cloud

Google’s browser-orientated Chrome OS could be the perfect platform for testing whether or not the cloud is capable of living up to current models in terms of delivering content and services to users, a report by Ovum – released on Monday – reveals.

Depending on how successfully the Chrome OS integrates into the market, it could potentially challenge the already existing device-based platform retailers as an evaluation of services provided by these companies would likely ensue.

A spokesperson for Ovum commented on the emergence of Google’s operating system and highlighted the fact that it is unlike any other current OS in that it is entirely browser-based giving app developers the potential to create new and interesting software.

According to the analyst at Ovum, developers and users would benefit from the lower cost of running devices on the Web-based platform that would drive down costs and remove the need for high-powered hardware.

The Chrome OS also features developer-friendliness as the Chrome Web browser is the only platform that it will run meaning that app developers will need to work with HTML5 and Flash to create apps for users.

Users will benefit from the use of multi-screen access, content and services without having to obtain everything from one provider.

The real test will begin for the Chrome OS when it becomes available next year though success is not guaranteed for the search giant as it branches it out into different areas of internet technology.

According to analysts at Ovum, if the Chrome OS isn’t a hit next year it will be a distant memory by the time 2012 comes around.