Google (GOOG +1.71%) strategy is to kill Microsoft's (MSFT +2.11%) Windows, Fool contributor Tim Beyers says in the following video.
How will it happen? A recent deal with VMware (VMW +0.00%) that brings the company's Horizon desktop-as-a-service software to Chromebooks might speed things along by allowing those who use the devices to access Windows apps directly in the browser.
Tim says it's a potentially disruptive move that could take some time to manifest. Yet that isn't stopping Google from hyping the deal. In a press release, Amit Singh, president of Google Enterprise, said companies could save "$5,000 per computer" using Chromebooks in place of traditional PCs. Whether or not that's fair math is an open question. What's clear is that this is a long-term threat to Mr. Softy's business, especially when you factor in the slowing pace of PC sales.
Investors should also note that Microsoft's Windows Division is third-largest by revenue and second-largest by operating profit. Tim says new CEO Satya Nadella must not let anything impede his company's ability to sell new Windows licenses, yet that's exactly what Google is trying to do.
Now it's your turn to weigh in. Would you switch to Chromebook if you could be assured of safely using Windows apps? Or is Google's strategy wishful thinking? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take and then leave a comment to let us know what you think and whether you would buy, sell, or short Google or Microsoft stock at current prices.
