Saturday, November 19, 2005

Can Google replace Microsoft as the Desktop?

I have been watching with keen interest the rapid developments at Google and wonder whether they can deliver on the concept of a "Web Desktop" or "Personal Portal".

I love the idea that you don't need to be tied to machine (or series of devices) and the software installed on them. I would like to access all my content via the web on any device with a modern Browser.

This would require a single authentication ??? that then accesses all aspects of the software requirements I need in one place. I believe that this is the main area we lack in the web today?

I would like a single entry point to a "Web Desktop" that had the following features:
  • Email Accounts (multiple accounts not just one - I have multiple existing identities)
  • Diary (I need to see work and personal elements. I would also like to be able to overlay other trusted peoples diaries)
  • Blogs (Publish or link my blogs. Advise me of other like minded people)
  • Feeds (supply of news: hold on to history, find related info. based on
  • Collaboration (can work and exchange documents, photos, music, video, etc.)
  • Shopping (links or embedding of my favorite sites - amazon, ebay, etc.)
  • Finance (allow links to all my bank accounts securely)
  • Searching across all the content of the aspects above
There are probably lots of other elements that I should add to this list, but it's time to watch the England vs New Zealand Rugby Match.