Google has launched new technology in beta that can allow web applications like email or calenders to run on- or offline.

Google Gears, which was announced at the firm's global Developer Day events, is set to be an open-source application, allowing developers to use it in their own products for free.

Bola Rotibi of analyst firm Ovum argued the announcement is further indication that the "rich internet/interactive application market is gearing up ".

"This is turning things on its head and making the browser the engine, but it's too early to say if it'll storm the market," Rotibi added. "It will come down to how easy it is for developers to implement and how quick it is to use."

Google's rivals in this space will be Adobe's Apollo and Microsoft's Silverlight technologies, explained Rotibi.