Greenborder is about Google Web 2.0

There's much ado this morning about Google''s purchase of Greenborder (here, here), a sandbox technology for web browsers (Alan and Mike commented about this already too.) Rothman's on the right track, btw, that this is about Google's online apps.

Web 2.0 means many things (blogging, podcasting, etc.) of which online, web delivered applications is one that Google has invested in significantly. While these apps haven't hit the main stream and taken over the world (the model hasn't yet proven out), we are beginning to see more and more web apps that behave much more like regular thick client apps. (Try MS Outlook's web interface for starters.)

Some see Google's acquisition of Greenborder as their first entre into the security market, and while that may technically be true, this is really a preemptive move by Google to secure Web 2.0 apps before security becomes a barrier for them. What better way than to sandbox the browser, much like many SSL-VPN connections do, to help secure the environment the web app operates in from malware. Smart move on Google's part, and even better for not relying on Microsoft to do this for/to them. (Take note, Microsoft.)

Will Google move further into security by offering AV, firewall or other traditional security products? It's possible (and they've surprised us before) but I think not. Greenborder is a tactical move in their Web 2.0 strategy for providing online web apps, not about Google becoming a true security play.