Google CEO Schmidt Claims Chrome OS Delivers the Cloud

Google is betting heavily on the cloud with Chrome Operating System, a Web platform for netbooks that Google CEO Eric Schmidt said is predicated on leveraging reliable networks and diskless machines.

While Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac machines rely greatly on software residing locally on the hardware, Google intends Chrome OS to fuel Web applications in the Chrome browser.

The open-source platform

Schmidt said the open-source platform, which is based on Debian Linux, provides a third choice in platforms to Microsoft Windows PC and Apple's Mac machines, a bold statement in an era where Linux has failed to gain much traction.

"Earlier there was no cloud computing alternative-however we have a product which is fast, robust and scalable enough to support powerful platforms," Schmidt said in a blog post, adding that computer scientists have long envisioned this nevertheless lacked the innovation to build it until but.

Samsung and Acer are expected to ship finished Chrome netbooks in mid-2011. Meanwhile, Google has created a pilot program using an unbranded netbook called the Cr-48 to let business partners, media and consumers test-fly it.