“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 ( GOOG – news – people ) announced this past summer
that Chrome OS would be available in 2010, sparking speculation and
excitement throughout the industry. Microsoft ( MSFT – news –
people ) 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.”