Apple versus Google versus Microsoft versus Linux has made for a rather dramatic operating system battle, particularly over the last six months. Fueled by a combination of developments, the operating system landscape is more complex--and frankly more uncertain than ever. Consider just a few recent developments that are impacting us today: Google announced this past summer that Chrome OS would be available in 2010, sparking speculation and excitement throughout the industry. Microsoft has been working overtime to assure the 90% of the market it does own that Windows 7 will indeed address all the Vista concerns. The iPhone had one of the most successful showings of any mobile device in its first year with 5.2 million units sold in the third quarter alone. And finally, in the face of economic pressures and shrinking IT budgets, reports show that Linux adoption is on the rise, especially on netbooks and mobile devices. People have started to throw the term "operating system war" around rather lightly, but remember that not too long ago the thought of anyone other than Microsoft making a land grab was next to impossible. Like Henry Ford's famous line about the Model T car, "you can have any color you want as long as it's black," so it has been with operating system choice, with Windows being the default for most of us. So to say there's a battle going on assumes that there's a shift occurring in the enterprise and personal computing landscape; a shift that has fundamentally opened the door for new players to make their move. So how did we get to this point? Are we all suddenly asking for "color" and if so, which color? No doubt analysis of this heated debate among OS providers will vary depending on who you're talking to, but all will agree that an important factor has been the proliferation of hardware and mobile devices among business users and consumers. Just think, 10 years ago it's likely you used one of two devices for your primary computing--a PC or a laptop--maybe both. And if you did have both, they were loaded with similar or complimentary applications and were closely connected via a single operating system. In contrast, take a look at what is in your pocket or briefcase now. Chances are that shiny new smart phone is not running off the same operating system as your PC or laptop. And if you're thinking about purchasing a netbook, you have Chrome or Linux-based operating systems like Moblin, to consider as well. The convergence of enterprise and personal computing is driving yet another change. For today's user, less is the new more. Less cost, less complexity and less lock in. While enterprise users have traditionally accepted some level of cost, complexity and reduced choice, today's consumer will not. It would indeed be a lot easier for everyone if we had that one super device that handled all our computing and communication needs, all using one standard operating system. We don't, and today's complexity lies in the fact that any of these operating systems can run on any of the devices you use. Standardized platforms are now showing up on devices that were once specialized. Applications and usability drive operating system selection, and today's users want operating systems that can do it all, on whatever device they choose. Seems obvious, right? Well, as we all know, mix-and-match is not something the enterprise software market is used to. But it's happening. There's never been so much activity in the development of computer operating systems. While we shouldn't expect to see a sudden and dramatic shift in adoption patterns or market share, we are seeing the emergence of new choices in the marketplace that are challenging entrenched players and that over time will change the computing landscape. Source: Forbes