HP commits to WebOS and Windows on all PCs

HP's chief executive has revealed plans to run the WebOS platform on the company's PC systems.

Léo Apotheker said in an interview with Businessweek that the company aims to include the operating system alongside Windows on all PCs it ships in 2012.

The move is designed to get WebOS into the hands of more users and developers.

WebOS was cited as the main factor behind HP's $1.5bn acquisition of Palm in 2010. Since finalising the deal, HP has disclosed plans for putting the operating system on smartphones and tablet devices with the aim of making it the largest software ecosystem in the world.

Forrester Research vice president and principal analyst Frank Gillett told V3.co.uk that the move might be part of a larger campaign by HP to create synergy between HP's desktop and mobile platforms, and to integrate the computing platforms with web-based services.

"I don't think it is just for smartphones or tablets," Gillett said of the move. "I think what is even more important is the notion for a customer of HP synergy on WebOS which creates this seamless experience."

Gillett likened HP's strategy to that of Apple's MobileMe or Google Apps.

He sees HP attempting to create a platform where users are able to use cloud services and compatible platforms to transfer and access personal data regardless of the device used at the time.

The analyst also sees the addition of WebOS applications helping to distinguish HP's PC offerings in a market where vendors largely offer the same hardware and features.

"The idea is that HP has always been frustrated that there is no easy way to differentiate itself when all it has to work with is the industrial design," Gillett explained.

"How can you create a different experience when everyone uses Windows?"