When Google recently launched its beta version of the Chrome browser, it was at a point in time when Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) had approximately 70% of the browser market (with Mozilla’s Firefox, Apple’s Safari, and Opera the other major players). Amazingly enough Google claimed that it captured 1% of the browser market with the initial launch the first day…and since this was Google pushing out another product, that’s probably a good guess. It seems that the statistics are difficult to assess, because all of these vendors offer their products free and because many users have multiple browsers loaded on their systems.
Did We Need a New Browser?
Google’s market power and built-in user base maybe more important than did we need a new browser. Nevertheless Google claims that they built Chrome using today’s tools, and don’t have any legacy system problems from old versions. Clearly a reference to Microsoft’s various versions of IE and Mozilla’s various versions of Firefox and previous versions of Mosiac. Now that Netscape dropped out of the browser market, at least that’s one less vendor. However, Netscape’s departure brings back memories of the Microsoft Antitrust lawsuit which started in the late 1990’s where the forced tie-in of IE to Windows helped prove Microsoft’s anticompetitive behavior.
Google Continues to Grow
Also Google claims that Chrome is faster, but of course most users would not be able to determine faster performance on most systems because there are so many other variables. As well, Google declares that Chrome has better security which is high on the list of most users. Chrome will likely be a success because Google seems to have a magic touch with marketing, and as well it does not take rocket science to conclude that using the Google search engine and tools could only be improved by using Google’s browser. Or at least that’s what Google would like its users to conclude!