Google announced the beta release of Google Gears, a set of tools which allows developers to create desktop applications which integrate with online Google applications, like Google Maps.
Some experts say this is a direct assault on traditional desktop software companies, like Microsoft. When asked the question directly in a brief interview on MSNBC last week during Google Developer Day 2007, Google's Sergey Brin (pictured at right. Source:Google), simply shrugged his shoulders and played the "Microsoft Who?" card. 
On the face of it, the ability to pair online and offline applications is attractive. Yet, many questions remain about the impact of Google Gears long-term. Many wonder if it may dilute some of the Google's power over the long-haul.
Still, as more organizations adopt Google Apps as a means of creating and sharing certain kinds of information and as the number of mashups built on Google technology grow, the development of Google Gears-powered applications will be fun to watch.
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