Jolly new cloud computing netbook OS seeks to bring market back to Linux

David M Williams
Monday, 26 January 2009 17:26

Opinion and Analysis

It doesn't need to have disk storage, it doesn't need a full-sized keyboard. Heck, Apple think it doesn't even need cut-and-paste. Yet, it's a success because it's portable and it's always-connected. It's a portal to the world of online computing.

Here too is where the netbook ought to shine. And that's why Tariq Krim has begun developing his own operating system called Jolicloud.

The idea behind Jolicloud is that users will download it to their netbook and kick it off. Whatever was previously installed will be totally wiped and replaced with a stripped down Linux variant with a bold icon-driven user interface and very little fluff.

Sure, another Linux variant! Why should this succeed when others didn't? The main reason is because Jolicloud is based on the lessons learned from these other vendors. Obviously ASUS had no prior experience of netbook usability to work from when they sent their first Xandros-derived system to the public.

Further, Jolicloud is crafted with the specific goals of enhancing usability and of being totally up-to-date with advances in cloud-based computing. In short, it aims to be a one-stop modern netbook OS for these tiny computers no matter the maker.

Sadly, there's no release date yet but Krim has tweeted that the software presently works perfectly on all Atom-based netbooks.

You can sign up to be kept informed on Jolicloud's web site – and we'll be sure to give it a full review here at iTWire too.