In an announcement that may revolutionize the entire cell phone industry, Google has announced a new mobile platform called Android that could prove to be the most important development in this industry next to the iPhone. Read the story here.

And while some think the new operating system is a precursor to a changing industry, I think they miss the point: Android has nothing to do with cell phones and everything to do with Microsoft and advertising.

Who wants to rule the world?

A quick glance at the state of the world's most dominant technology companies immediately reveals one staggering attribute: Microsoft, more than any other company, wants to destroy Google by any means necessary.

Consider this: Google bought the rights to advertise on MySpace, and Microsoft inked a similar deal with Facebook. Google bought DoubleClick to solidify itself as the Web's most dominant advertising company; Microsoft immediately went out and bought aQuantive - a relatively unknown Internet advertising company. Never before have we seen two companies go at each other like this.

But with the announcement of Google's entry into the mobile market, Microsoft has officially been put on notice. With a platform that is ideal for tailor-made applications and (most importantly) advertising, Android will be the first major competitor of Windows Mobile.

To make matters worse for Microsoft, it's entirely possible that Android and this new Open Handset Alliance could squeeze its advertising business out of contention, as well.

Google thrives on advertising

Who knows what Google's true intentions are. But one thing about the company is indisputable: it thrives on advertising and everything it does revolves around its ability to make as much money as possible on that venture. And as it creates even more compelling reasons to use its property, where does that leave Microsoft?

More than any other company, Microsoft is obsessed with Google. As a company that has thrived from dominating smaller organizations, Microsoft can't do that with Google. And now, unlike its battles in the past, Google can match it with cash and high-powered lawyers. In effect, this is the first major competitor Microsoft has faced in years. And for the first time, it looks like Microsoft could lose.

So while you start thinking about your first device running Android, consider this: it will be rife with Google advertising and Microsoft will be searching for ways around it. And in the end, the best platform will take the mobile market by storm and win the advertising war.

Look for Google to win that war.