MICROSOFT VS. GOOGLE

 

Last night, Google jumped directly into Microsoft’s home turf by announcing Google Chrome OS, its new operating system for PCs and netbooks. And while we’re still debating whether it will Take down windows or  Flop like a fish land , we tend to forget that this isn’t the first time Google’s challenged Microsoft. In fact, it’s become almost routine.Whether its operating systems, documents, search, communication, or mobile, the two behemoths have been increasingly butting heads in a war for tech supremacy. Now with Google Chrome OS making headlines, we thought it would be appropriate to perform a straight-up comparison of where the competition between Google and Microsoft stands. So who’s winning the war? And how will Google Chrome OS affect this longstanding battle? Here’s an overview:

Compared To Search Wise

Google: What is there to say, really? Search is to Google as Windows is to Microsoft. They dominate the search market by a wide margin, despite Microsoft’s best efforts (including the company’s failed attempt  to buy Yahoo).

Microsoft: They had to do something drastic to compete in search, and they did with their recent launch of  Bing. It’s received a lot of press, a lot of positive reviews, and has clearly Caught Google's attention . But does anyone seriously think it will overtake Google’s dominance in search anytime soon?

Advantage: Google. By light years.

Compared To communication, Email and IM

Microsoft: While Google’s probably more revered for Gmail and its communication suite, Hotmail is still bigger, and Live Messenger is heavily used. Microsoft also produces the popular Outlook software and has software in a variety of arenas, such as Windows Live Meeting, giving the company an edge in the enterprise.Google: The search giant has a suite of very popular communication products – Gmail and Gtalk being the best known. The X factor in this debate though, is the upcoming  Google Wave communication platform, which has impressed us so far. There’s also the intriguing Google Voice offering to consider.

Advantage: Push