In that sense, this might really be a third browser war. I think Google is pushing Chrome largely to support performance and standards.
I think Google would like to make browsers into commodity pieces of software. Browsers might have different looks and perhaps different features, but when it comes down to core rendering and performance they are exactly interchangeable.
I don't see Chrome so much as a vehicle to compete for browser share as much as I see it as an attempt to eliminate browser control as a point of competition.
> I think Google would like to make browsers into commodity pieces of software
But isn't what Mozilla is already doing? I honestly don't see the point of putting all this effort in creating something new to support performance and standards, when there is already something else in place achieving those very same goals.
Also, mind you that Mozilla is a foundation, while MS and Google are monopolies.
I'd say that Mozilla and Google doing it are effectually different. Yes, the end products are both open source and browsers.
Practically, especially from the perspective of the business community, I think these are very different things. One is a product from a foundation which may or may not decide to keep operating. The other is from a very heavy weight company perceived to be a dominant up and comer.
I think Google would like to make browsers into commodity pieces of software. Browsers might have different looks and perhaps different features, but when it comes down to core rendering and performance they are exactly interchangeable.
I don't see Chrome so much as a vehicle to compete for browser share as much as I see it as an attempt to eliminate browser control as a point of competition.