Open Source Weblog

Stories abound that Goobuntu is being readied for release, and several screen shots have even leaked on to the web that seem to indicate a Google branded desktop - as well as the Google OS they also indicate the presence of a file manager, GoogleSuite with Gmail, Geeem (instant messaging?), and shopping functionality, as well as G-TypeMachine and G-WorkSheet, apparently processing and spreadsheet applications.

So is this the first look at Google's attempt to ouster Microsoft from users' desktops once and for all? Not according to Chris DiBona, Google's open source program manager, who has dismissed the story on his own blog and in a Slashdot posting.

"Goobuntu is our internal desktop distribution. It's awesome, but we're not going to be releasing it. Unless you work here it wouldn't work anyway. If you haven't tried Ubuntu, you should, I have the regular one running on my laptop and it really is fantastic," he wrote.

"Also, know that Google getting into the Red Hat business would be kind of dumb, and it would distract from our moon teleporter and cold fusion projects," he joked.

In the current issue of CBR I speculated as to whether all the rumours circulating with regards to Google's enterprise plans might not come back to haunt the company if it is seem to have failed to fulfil the success that is being predicted for it.

Google certainly doesn't help itself in this regard. I recently had the opportunity to speak to Roberto Solimene, European director for Google Enterprise about the company's enterprise expansion plans.

Aside from building a channel for its current search appliances, Solimene also talked about what Google might do in the future such as enterprise email services, and exploring business opportunities for Google Earth as a mapping service.

He would not rule anything specifically in - or anything specifically out - which is frustrating for a reporter trying to get to grips with a story, but understandable given his claim that the company only plans what it is doing six months in advance.

This only adds to the speculation, however, and for that reason alone we should be grateful that DiBona has come out and dismissed the Goobuntu stories. Something tells me that won't stop the rumours, however.