Browser-based Operating Systems

Web browser is one the most versatile applications in IT. It's the
catalytic converter that can take in any application and display it to users
irrespective of which platform they're on. That's why just about every
application today is accessible through a web browser, be it email, business
apps like ERP and CRM, IT mgmt sw, and even office suites. The latest feather in
the web browser's cap is the most interesting one--Operating Systems. Several
online sites have sprung up that provide a complete Operating System inside a
web browser, with a proper GUI, tool

bar, various apps, and the works. This opens up several interesting
possibilities and opportunities.

Let's take an enterprise first. One of the key challenges that every
organization faces today is managing its fleet of desktops and laptops.
Providing support for multiple operating systems, managing roll outs of critical
patches and updates, tackling security threats (especially from mobile users),
and managing hardware and software inventory are only too familiar to every IT
manager. They're enough to give them nightmares. Now imagine if an enterprise
could provide access to the OS itself over a web browser.

Anil Chopra Editor

This would give the IT manager control over what goes on each user's
desktop. Security threats are done away with since the OS is running inside a
browser. Mobile users can really benefit from it as they can now access their
desktop from anywhere across the world, so long as they have Internet access.
Software development houses can also benefit from it, when they're outsourcing
work to third parties. They can give the complete development environment within
a web browser to the developers. This can significantly cut down on the
development time, as there are no chances of bugs creeping in due to the
developer's personal desktop environment. Even the cable TV industry could use
browser based OSs. They could simply embed a web browser in their set top boxes,
and provide the consumers access the a complete Operating System through it.
Consumers can then access an entire OS on their TV.

Critics may argue that remote desktop access has always been possible. Yes,
it has been possible, but it requires either thin clients or utilities like
Windows Remote Desktop Sharing. There are also new concepts like VDI or Virtual
Desktop Infrastructure, wherein the entire desktop fleet moves inside the data
center. But none of them have as wide an appeal as a web browser. With a web
browser, you could be on any machine, be it desktop, laptop, or even a
smartphone. As long as it has a web browser, the user can access the Operating
System.While web-based applications were definitely a boon, they only provided
functionality limited to the application's features. With an OS, this opens up
as you can configure it for anything. It's a fairly interesting concept
indeed.