Comments on: Does the browser really matter?

By: KnightSword

KnightSword — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:13:10 +0000

I think the reason why Microsoft and Apple have any work at all is precisely because that issue is not irrelevant, at least as far as they're concerned. After all, if an OS was not really different from any other, why buy Windows 7, or Snow Leopard? Or even why pay money at all, and go with any of the GNU/Linux flavors? Is it artificial? Clearly. But so long as consumers actually think there is an appreciable difference in operating systems, and gear their thinking specifically towards those differences, then the particulars of the software industry will continue to thrive. Once consumers get smart, then things will have to change.

By: Stephen Pierzchala

Stephen Pierzchala — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:10:30 +0000

Quite right, Mr. Unger. That is exactly the point that I am saying.If the Browser doesn't matter, and most applications are run over the web, then does it matter what operating system you use? Or if you use a traditional operating system at all?It's just as likely in the future that the primary device will be a phone/computer hybrid that is dockable and portable. As long as the apps are available and seamlessly integrate no matter what the platform is, then the operating system will go the way of the browser.Interesting, but irrelevant.

By: DaveU

DaveU — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:01:43 +0000

If the web is the application, the browser is the operating system. And although no one likes it, everyone understands that Windows and MacOS are different. They are built out of different bits and pieces by different development teams and each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The same is true for different browsers.One might as well say that we have no need for multiple desktop operating systems – Windows, MacOS, Ubuntu/Debian, Red Hat EL/CentOS, Fedora, Novell/SUSE, etc., etc.

By: Stephen Pierzchala

Stephen Pierzchala — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:10:30 +0000

By: DaveU

DaveU — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:01:43 +0000

By: MSIE8 QOTD and other browser war comments » Newest Industry

MSIE8 QOTD and other browser war comments » Newest Industry — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:52:57 +0000

[...] sums up many of the comments that I have made about browsers over the months [see Does the browser really matter?]. The browser is not a passive browser any more. It is a Web application portal/container. With [...]