Google vs Microsoft vs Firefox

It is interesting to watch the global struggle of companies that once had a strangle-hold on your browser, office tools etc start to see the cracks in the delivery of their systems. What I am talking about here is Google releasing a beta version (yes another beta something) called Google Spreadsheets. Sure Microsoft are working on Office Live, a hosted Office solution, but will it have the simplicity and ease of use that Google is renowned for. Microsoft is also getting into search with its' beta: Windows Live. You thought Google was simple. Microsoft is bringing cool technology to search and enroaching into areas of search that traditionally Google has been in. Windows Live looks very promising. Also the Firefox browser which now has a staggering 11% of the browser market looks to become a dominant competitor with the current majority stake holder, Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

I am beginning to really love this browser. There are so many plugins and developers building tools that extend the normal functionality of the browser - all the time. I forsee that in the not too distant future, the browser will become a quasi new OS for computers. PC's will just become storage devices (with the web eventually taking over that component too), applications will be hosted online and all your content will be easily accessed from any location at any time either via pc, pda, blackberry, mobile phone or ipod (yes why have they not developed a wireless or web ready ipod - I want to have my entire music or video collection on tap anywhere I am - my own private radio station).

Certainly interesting times ahead for the web which can only mean exciting hosted web applications for customers.