Google Android, Chrome OS Surprises at Google I/O?

Where is Google heading next with Android and Chrome OS for smart phones, tablets and cloud-enabled devices? And where might Google Apps Authorized Resellers find their next profits? The Google I/O conference (June 27-29, San Francisco) will offer plenty of answers. Here’s the early scoop from The VAR Guy.

Google I/O is designed mainly for software developers. But VARs, cloud integrators and Google Apps Authorized Resellers should watch the event carefully. The conference will focus on such topics as Android, Chrome, cloud computing platform, commerce, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google+ and YouTube.

Chrome OS and Android: Converging?

In recent months, pundits have suggested Android and Chrome OS will converge into a single operating system. For its part, Google expects a slow convergence of the two operating systems. But Android and Chrome OS will remain separate projects for the foreseeable future, since customers and partners continue to demand highly specialized devices.

At last year’s Google I/O, the company made a firm commitment to Chrome OS on Chromebooks — which are low-cost notebooks that leverage Google Apps and cloud apps. More recently, Samsung has launched Chromeboxes — which resemble the Apple Mac Mini but again, depend heavily on cloud applications and services.

In some ways, Samsung seems to be Google’s closest, most successful Android partner — particularly because of the well-branded Galaxy tablet business. But it’s a safe bet Google I/O will generate chatter about Motorola Mobility, the Android smartphone business that Google recently acquired.

Where Are Google Apps?

Some Google Apps channel partners were disappointed to see Google I/O’s agenda lacking a Google Apps track. But if you dig into the Google I/O agenda, you’ll find Google Apps discussions within various sessions.

The Wall Street Journal earlier this year questioned Google’s commitment to Google Apps, but the search giant continues to train channel partners on the cloud suite — working closely with such consulting firms as MSPexcellence.

Also, channel partners should keep a close eye on the Cloud Alliance for Google Apps — a consortium of SaaS companies that integrate with Google Apps. For Google Apps Authorized Resellers, the alliance could pave the way for additional cloud-related recurring revenues, according to The VAR Guy’s sister site, Talkin’ Cloud.

Finally, watch businesses like Cloud Sherpas closely during Google I/O. The top 100 cloud services provider is gaining momentum in the Google Apps and Salesforce.com markets, and has been rolling out Chromebooks to selected customers, particularly in the education market.

That’s all for now. The VAR Guy will keep close tabs on Google I/O throughout the conference.