Browser-based Operating Systems

Sunday, February 04, 2007

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Web browser is one the most versatile applications in IT. It's the catalytic converter that can take in any application and display it to users irrespective of which platform they're on. That's why just about every application today is accessible through a web browser, be it email, business apps like ERP and CRM, IT mgmt sw, and even office suites. The latest feather in the web browser's cap is the most interesting one--Operating Systems. Several online sites have sprung up that provide a complete Operating System inside a web browser, with a proper GUI, tool
bar, various apps, and the works. This opens up several interesting possibilities and opportunities.

Let's take an enterprise first. One of the key challenges that every organization faces today is managing its fleet of desktops and laptops. Providing support for multiple operating systems, managing roll outs of critical patches and updates, tackling security threats (especially from mobile users), and managing hardware and software inventory are only too familiar to every IT manager. They're enough to give them nightmares. Now imagine if an enterprise could provide access to the OS itself over a web browser.

Anil Chopra Editor

This would give the IT manager control over what goes on each user's desktop. Security threats are done away with since the OS is running inside a browser. Mobile users can really benefit from it as they can now access their desktop from anywhere across the world, so long as they have Internet access. Software development houses can also benefit from it, when they're outsourcing work to third parties. They can give the complete development environment within a web browser to the developers. This can significantly cut down on the development time, as there are no chances of bugs creeping in due to the developer's personal desktop environment. Even the cable TV industry could use browser based OSs. They could simply embed a web browser in their set top boxes, and provide the consumers access the a complete Operating System through it. Consumers can then access an entire OS on their TV.

Critics may argue that remote desktop access has always been possible. Yes, it has been possible, but it requires either thin clients or utilities like Windows Remote Desktop Sharing. There are also new concepts like VDI or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, wherein the entire desktop fleet moves inside the data center. But none of them have as wide an appeal as a web browser. With a web browser, you could be on any machine, be it desktop, laptop, or even a smartphone. As long as it has a web browser, the user can access the Operating System.While web-based applications were definitely a boon, they only provided functionality limited to the application's features. With an OS, this opens up as you can configure it for anything. It's a fairly interesting concept indeed.

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