Microsoft vs. Google: Should we Care?

Anyone keeping up with computer news is completely aware of the rivalry between Microsoft and Google. But this battle entered a new phase just last week with the announcement of Google’s Chrome Operating System — a direct hit for Microsoft Windows number one profit draw.

Google served its Chrome Web browser at Microsoft’s Internet Explorer along with its Android smart-phone operating system, which was meant to make a dent in Microsoft’s Windows Mobile. The return attack consisted of Microsoft aiming its new search technology, Bing, against Google’s core and essence — the Google search engine.

This is all well and good, not to mention brings in a lot of press, but in the end, none of it is likely to make any real difference for either giant or, possibly more importantly, for customers.It’s all posturing, bringing with it a mutually assured destruction that keeps both companies on their toes. With Microsoft and Google in the same position of making most of their money from one core product- Windows Operating System and Internet ads next to search results respectively- they’re in a sort of holding pattern where every move lacks any real impact.

Until one of these companies makes a large and expensive step in the direction of revolutionizing the market, they’ll both continue as they have.  Spending a little money on research and development, while keeping each other in check, reporters and publications making it seem important all the while. Courtesy of nytimes.com