Google's aim at the notebook market and tie-in to cloud computing looks like a laptop but does fewer things.

Google Inc's (NASDAQ:GOOG) upcoming release of the Chromebook, the Internet company's aim at the notebook market, ties into the current trend of cloud computing, in which the user accesses software through a browser instead of the computer itself. The search giant's cloud-ready technology is billed as a new model of computing but according to Adrian Smith, Managing director of Flexsys, the concept is far from revolutionary.

“Working from a machine that accesses data from a remote location is not revolutionary but rather evolutionary. Cloud-ready laptops essentially operate in much the same way as dumb terminals did up until the early 90s. No applications were hosted on the user’s machine but accessed via a server in the corner of the room. Now the kit is less cumbersome and companies are entrusting their critical data to ‘the cloud’ but the principle is certainly reminiscent of those by-gone days.”

Greater efficiency

“However”, Smith says, “What Google’s Chromebook does go to show is the greater efficiencies that can be achieved through switching to cloud networking. It stands to reason that without installed software and local data to load and manage, computers can become aesthetically slicker and operationally quicker and more cost effective to run. In fact, in the not too far future it is entirely feasible that smart phones will replace traditional desktop devices because so little processing power will be required to achieve comparable functionality.”

Cloud computing concerns

Smith continues: “Cloud computing has been around for some time now and yet it’s only really started to take-off in the last year or so. For all the forward-thinking companies out there who are keen to establish themselves as early adopters, there are plenty more organisations who are understandably perplexed by the proposition and nervous of what a move to cloud-based services would mean for their workforce.

“A common concern is the lack of control. “Where is my data and who owns it?” is a frequent objection heard by our sales team. In reality, cloud-hosted networks across dual data centres are far more secure than the traditional set-up and much easier to reinstall should on-site disaster strike.”

Less obvious advantages

“There are also less obvious advantages of adopting hosted services such as the ability to restrict the unsolicited removal of data - which is a growing security concern across the board - and energy savings achieved through a reduction in processing power and increased battery life – not least the upfront savings on deployment and physical hardware capex.

“Indeed, Google is leveraging the cost benefits of cloud computing to make Chromebook and alternate manufacturers’ products (soon to come to market) a more attractive proposition to the business world.”

Pay-as-you-go model

But as Michael Gartenberg from research firm Gartner’s points out, the stumbling block is going to be in getting people to invest in a device that looks like a laptop but does so many fewer things.

“To counteract this objection, Google has tactically adopted the pay-as-you-go-model already being championed for cloud-based IT services and support. Customers can pay a fixed monthly fee per employee, which covers the cost of the device; ongoing support; upgrades and replacements in much the same way that hosted email and desktop applications are being adopted by many businesses – most notably by SMEs, who are in the strongest position to lead the way because of their inherent agility. 

“The beauty of cloud networking and the benefit of hosted email and desktop applications is that businesses can achieve everything Google Chromebook delivers without trading in their trusted desktop device – at least until the time and technology is right.”


The Chromebooks, scheduled to be available on June 15, will run Chrome OS through web browser Google Chrome.