We’ve previously discussed Google’s play into the enterprise with Chrome OS and the differences between Android and Chrome in the mobile world. Android will exist on tablets, while Chrome will exist on netbooks — at least, that’s what we thought. But the mobile arena is far from predictable. New technology causes disruptions that upset marketplace predictions. Another case in point: Google is now positioning Chrome OS to be tablet-friendly. What does this mean for the channel? Read on for some perspective …

First, a tip of the hat goes to CNET for confirming Google is indeed implementing APIs for touch-enabled features on Chrome OS. Mostly, that means a lot of touch-friendly features that aren’t inherently necessary in an OS that is supposed to be used with a keyboard and a mouse.

Which begs the question: What is Google’s strategy? We’ve already got Android Honeycomb, right?

There isn’t really one answer to this question. There are a few ways to analyze Google’s approach to the mobile market, but simply put, Google has two dogs in the race. So would it matter if one of them loses?

It may be that neither are losing, since they’re not actually in the same race. Chrome OS is much more enterprise-friendly, and Google has named some big corporations that have already signed up to deploy Chrome throughout their enterprises.

Here’s a question: What if the Chrome OS tablet performed the same functions of the Chrome OS desktop but with all the benefits of a tablet? It’s not an awful idea, even though I’m wary of any operating system originally designed for a desktop making its way into a tablet. But Google has had tablet aspirations for Chrome OS since January 2010, so it’s not likely that Google will go the way of Microsoft with a clumsy implementation.

So imagine if you will a complete Chrome-based business. Big C-level executives get their Chrome OS tablet with a docking station, while cubical-dwelling employees work on desktop or laptop Chrome OS solutions. That translates to ubiquity, ease of use and no fragmentation in the workplace. This could be the ultimate consumerization of IT, blending the business and personal needs of computing easily.

So what does that mean for Android? I’m not sure. It may mean that corporations that don’t adopt the all-Chrome solution could have Android tablets in the workplace. But Chrome-OS’ more traditional style of operating system may be better suited for the workplace, so you may see Chrome OS tablets take the place of iPads and Android tablets even in Windows-based environments.

Google’s master plan could be to play in both the enterprise and consumer markets at the same time, a strategy that could potentially pay off. Lots of web whispers suggest Google may one day merge Chrome and Android together. Think about the possibilities of a Chrome-based OS with an Android layer on top. Sounds a bit like what Apple is doing with OS X Lion, no?

Such a blending could be the real future of computing. For all those who want to speculate about why Google has two different strategies, maybe this is part of a larger strategy we’re just not seeing yet. It’s likely the search giant has grand plans up its sleeve. The mobile arena is far from settled.

Such moves also may completely reshape the way business is conducted. VARs and partners may find themselves even more focused around services and software than selling hardware and devices. That’s a trend we’re already seeing today, especially with storage and security. It’s not enough to drop in a box or pop in some drives — partners have opportunity in all manner of services, from  backup and protection to data-loss prevention and hosted services.

With the opportunity from services, Chrome OS tablet can play into the channel nicely — assuming it delivers on the promises that Google has imbued it with. But at the end of the day, it’s all about adoption. Chrome OS may be great, but if the market doesn’t want it, it may die. And if that comes to pass, it’s okay, because Android is doing just fine.

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