NEWS ANALYSIS: Google Chrome keeps gaining ground on competing Web browsers, such as Internet Explorer. This is due to its strong set of features and Google’s patient support.
Google's Chrome browser is coming on strong in the worldwide marketplace. The browser, which just a few years ago held only single-digit browser market shares, now controls 16.4 percent of that space, according to the latest data from NetApps. And although that's still a far cry from Internet Explorer's 55.8 percent share, it has taken a significant chunk out of Microsoft's browser dominance over the years.With the latest Chrome launch, version 27, Google is once again proving that it wants to eventually match Microsoft in the browser market. The upgrade isn't major, but it includes some fixes to speed and security and other improvements to keep users happy. Better yet, it allows for spoken conversation, meaning voice integration is finally available in the platform.But a discussion on what all of the new features in Chrome 27 are might not give a true picture of the browser market. Looking at Chrome itself, however, tells a much different story and explains how the browser went from being an obscure also-ran to being an effective alternative to Internet Explorer.1. Blame it on GoogleIf Google weren't the company behind Chrome, there would literally be no chance that the browser would have gotten off the ground. The browser market is chock-full of lesser-known companies trying to compete with the likes of Microsoft and Mozilla, and they've all failed. Chrome and perhaps Apple's Safari are the only browsers to actually get it right. In Chrome's case, it happened because Google had the patience and determination to slowly win converts to its browser.
2. Simplicity means somethingIf the latest software and online trends have taught us anything, it's that customers are responding well to simplicity. That's perhaps why Chrome has come on so strong over the last few years. The browser is much simpler than Internet Explorer, while Safari and Firefox have been heavily modified to mimic Chrome's look and feel. Chrome's simplicity is a major selling point.3. An emphasis on securityGoogle should be given credit for its dedication to security with Chrome. The company allows third parties to effectively take Chrome apart and try to exploit it in any way they'd like. If they're successful, they can earn cash rewards. The fixes are then incorporated into the browser to keep it safe. That has helped make Chrome one of the most secure browsers on the market and certainly more secure than Internet Explorer.4. An even stronger emphasis on integrationGoogle has made the smart decision to fully integrate its many services into Chrome. That means that users can access Gmail, Maps and other companies' services, if they're signed in within the Chrome browser. Simply having access to Google Search in the address bar is a huge plus. Full integration really matters.
Google's Chrome browser is coming on strong in the worldwide marketplace. The browser, which just a few years ago held only single-digit browser market shares, now controls 16.4 percent of that space, according to the latest data from NetApps. And although that's still a far cry from Internet Explorer's 55.8 percent share, it has taken a significant chunk out of Microsoft's browser dominance over the years.With the latest Chrome launch, version 27, Google is once again proving that it wants to eventually match Microsoft in the browser market. The upgrade isn't major, but it includes some fixes to speed and security and other improvements to keep users happy. Better yet, it allows for spoken conversation, meaning voice integration is finally available in the platform.But a discussion on what all of the new features in Chrome 27 are might not give a true picture of the browser market. Looking at Chrome itself, however, tells a much different story and explains how the browser went from being an obscure also-ran to being an effective alternative to Internet Explorer.1. Blame it on GoogleIf Google weren't the company behind Chrome, there would literally be no chance that the browser would have gotten off the ground. The browser market is chock-full of lesser-known companies trying to compete with the likes of Microsoft and Mozilla, and they've all failed. Chrome and perhaps Apple's Safari are the only browsers to actually get it right. In Chrome's case, it happened because Google had the patience and determination to slowly win converts to its browser.
2. Simplicity means somethingIf the latest software and online trends have taught us anything, it's that customers are responding well to simplicity. That's perhaps why Chrome has come on so strong over the last few years. The browser is much simpler than Internet Explorer, while Safari and Firefox have been heavily modified to mimic Chrome's look and feel. Chrome's simplicity is a major selling point.3. An emphasis on securityGoogle should be given credit for its dedication to security with Chrome. The company allows third parties to effectively take Chrome apart and try to exploit it in any way they'd like. If they're successful, they can earn cash rewards. The fixes are then incorporated into the browser to keep it safe. That has helped make Chrome one of the most secure browsers on the market and certainly more secure than Internet Explorer.4. An even stronger emphasis on integrationGoogle has made the smart decision to fully integrate its many services into Chrome. That means that users can access Gmail, Maps and other companies' services, if they're signed in within the Chrome browser. Simply having access to Google Search in the address bar is a huge plus. Full integration really matters.