Google's Gmail may only be a beta-test program, but already the pundits are speculating that it could break another leg from the Microsoft desktop stool.

Georges explains the magic behind Gmail: It just works. Gmail uses search rather than rely on folders to manage archives. Its conversation view was inspired by IM, and it's clearly a masterpiece of JavaScript programming. New features include a better address book, POP3 support, forwarding, and a desktop nofier utility. Possiblities for the future include support for HTML email and third-party POP3 accounts.

Thanks to Rob and Dana Greenlee we're able to bring you this interview with Georges Harik originally broadcast on WebTalk Radio. Let us know if you'd like to hear more from WebTalk Radio here on IT Conversations. (Contact IT Conversations or WebTalk Radio.)