Google Phasing Out Windows, Citing Security Concerns

A recent report says that Google, which is working hard to complete its upcoming Chrome operating system (OS), has started phasing out its own internal use of the Microsoft Windows.

The report on Google's OS use emerged Tuesday when the Financial Times said search engine leader Google had decided to cut back its employment of Windows, citing for reasons of security concerns. (Source: computerworld.com)

Google Testing Chrome OS Internally

It's likely the move to phase out Windows is primarily the result of Google's continuing work on its own operating system, Chrome OS. Google is currently "dog-fooding" the new OS, a term used by the company when it tests new products internally amongst its own pool of employees.

It should also be noted that Google employees have long opted for Microsoft Windows alternatives. According to one former employee, only a handful of people at Google ever used Windows, with most opting for Unix. "I don't know that a more formal step away from Windows will have much impact, at least within engineering," said Vanessa Fox, author of the book Marketing in the Age of Google. (Source: usatoday.com)

Legit Report, or Chrome Advertisement?

Critics suggest the report may have been engineered as a way to grab publicity while Google tries to ramp up hype over its Chrome OS, all the while snubbing Microsoft in the process. Pointing to security concerns would likely lead users to ponder the idea of using MS Windows alternatives, including one coming up soon from Google itself.

Responding to the security issue, Microsoft has simply pointed to what it feels is a pretty good track record. "When it comes to security, even hackers admit we're doing a better job making our products more secure than anyone else," the company said in a blog post.

"And it's not just the hackers; third party influentials [sic] and industry leaders like Cisco tell us regularly that our focus and investment continues to surpass others." (Source: cnet.com)