M$, Being All-in for the Cloud Creates a Cloud OS, Which Google Patents… at Robert Pogson

“A system for providing an operating system over a network to a local device is provided. The system includes a base image server, a preferences image server and an image loader. The system may also include a boot loader. A method for providing an operating system over a network to a local device is also provided. The method includes receiving a request for an operating system. The method further includes transmitting to a local device remotely stored base and preferences images that are configured for combination into a combined image. The method may also include the synchronizing the combined image with a cached version of an operating system on the local device.”

see United States Patent: 8239662.

Of course, M$ is calling their OS “the first cloud OS” so there could be fireworks…

Of course, I think Google’s patent is nonsense. It includes just about everything one can do with a networked OS since the 1980s, so it’s more than a little broad. I think it’s aimed at the VDI stuff in general and Chrome OS in particular but who knows what M$ thinks their OS does? Wouldn’t it be cool though if Google could receive an injunction to block M$’s whole empire? Is Mutual Assured Destruction now keyed up?

My Mission

My observations and opinions about IT are based on 40 years of use in science and technology and lately, in education. I like IT that is fast, cost-effective and reliable. I do not care whether my solution is the same as yours. I like to think for myself.

My first use of GNU/Linux in 2001 was so remarkably better than what I had been using, I feel it is important work to share GNU/Linux with the world. I have been blessed by working in schools where students and school systems have benefited by good, modular software easily installed in most systems.

I have shown GNU/Linux to thousands of students and hundreds of teachers over the years and will continue in some way doing that until I die in spite of the opposition.