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An interesting article on ChinaTechNews.com - New Computing Paradigm For Google To Beat Microsoft?

Just looking at the way my Chinese colleagues and friends use applications, the observation that Microsoft had a huge advantage owning the operating system is right on. Coupled with the fact that copy of the latest operating system can be easily brought off the street, it will ensures that Microsoft have the mindshare of lay-users in the many years to come.

Google may have an uphill battle but like what the writer said, there is a possibility. Google maybe the best contender currently but the opportunity is wide open for anyone to take a shot. The writer concluded that a new paradigm is needed but has no answer.

I can think of two point of attack.

One, Operating System

I am putting the bet on open source as one of the paradigm that will break the strangle hold of Microsoft in operating system.

How? I’m not exactly sure. Open source is still in the stage of looking for a viable model.

However as Linux keep getting better and with some Government support, we could well see Microsoft displaced.

The other possibility is Mac OS, as mentioned in another post. This is quite possible in China as many computer users are first time user. There is almost nothing except the price to hold back someone from choosing a Mac over a PC loaded with Windows. Also in China, the angle of prestige and status can play well into the hand of Apple.

Once Microsoft lost strangle hold of the OS, the competition field is levelled.

Two, Office application.

This may not be a new paradigm but a line of thought. As long as Microsoft charge and sell Office separately, the advantage of bundling with the operating system is smaller. There is opportunity to counter Microsoft’s China advance

Already KingSoft is launching their own version of Office application - WPS Office and offering them for free download. According to review, it is a verbatim copy of MS Office look and feel. The open source Open Office is another candidate poised to create upset.

While
it will take years, even decade, to halt the rampant piracy in the home
user market, the business user market is getting more attention and
control. The market is sizable if one consider the growing number of
new businesses requiring office application.

Thanks to Word and Excel, everyone know what is a word processor
and spreadsheet. Though my colleague mistaken my Office Office
Calc for Excel, they can nevertheless use the function.