In the post Another totally obvious factoid Dave Winer writes

Okay, we don't know for a fact that Google is working on an operating system, but the tea leaves are pretty damned clear. Why else would they have hired Microsoft's operating system architect, Mark Lucovsky? Surely not to write a spreadsheet or word processor.

Considering that after working on operating systems Mark Lucovsky went on to become the central mind behind Hailstorm, it isn't clear cut that Google is interested in him for his operating systems knowledge. It will be interesting to see if after pulling of what Microsoft couldn't by getting the public to accept AutoLink when they rejected SmartTags, Google will also get the public to accept their version of Hailstorm.

I can already hear the arguments about how Google's Hailstorm would be just like a beloved butler whose job it was to keep an eye on your wallet, rolodex and schedule so you don't have to worry about them. Positive perception in the market place is a wonderful thing.