For almost two decades the words “operating system” meant one thing—Microsoft. In the post dot-com bubble era though, the once mighty king appears to be growing weak if not obsolete.
Through search engine marketing Google became immeasurably powerful and wealthy, but the owners of Google were not content with remaining only in the business of providing the world’s most popular search engine. With the purchase of the Android operating system, Google seems poised to extend its reach into areas and eclipse the heights that Microsoft once reached.
The Android operating system was originally developed by a company of the same name, and it is based upon a version of the Linux kernel. Linux has been a tiny thorn in the side of Microsoft for years, but the operating system never had the backing that the Android now enjoys. While Microsoft still dominates the personal computer operating system market, the Android emerged as the hottest commodity on the emerging smartphone and tablet market.
Analysts from the mobile research firm Chetan Sharma Consulting conducted a poll that predicted that Google and the Android would be the biggest mobile device story in 2011. The polling consisted of 225 mobile executives. The second and third most popular answers in the poll also benefited the Android, as the deployment of 4G and the continued growth of mobile data also proved to be popular choices. Apple offerings such as the iPad and the iPhone also made the list but at numbers far lower than the Android.
There was no mention of the Windows Mobile phone. Windows holds a miniscule portion of the smartphone and tablet market, which coincides with its tiny segment in search engine revenue. Microsoft always enjoyed the reputation as better at business than innovation. Smart business moves might keep the company relevant for years, but keeping up with Google will require some brilliant near developments. Otherwise, Microsoft might be relegated to IBM as know as obsolete status.