Google Gears Down for Tougher Times – WSJ.com

Google Gears Down for Tougher Times – WSJ.com

Not even Google is Immune to the downturn.  Here’s an interesting article from today’s WSJ that talks about how Google is cutting back in the face of lean times.

Talking Business – Stuck in Google’s Doghouse – NYTimes.com

Talking Business – Stuck in Google’s Doghouse – NYTimes.com

Credit Where Credit’s Due…Trevor beat me to to punch on this one.  Check out his comments at the link below.

http://swanbergcis.blogspot.com/2008/09/has-google-replaced-microsoft-as-next.html

This is a nice article about the potential monopoly power of Google.   The line I like best is the one that notes (paraphrased) that monopolies can’t help from acting like monopolies.  Google defends their monopoly power by arguing that they don’t take certain competitive actions against competitors because it’s all in the “algorithm.”  Nevertheless, Google will tweak their algorithms in ways that are best for Google, and others must pay the price.  Simply because the competitive moves are automated, doesn’t necessarily make them an improper use of monopoly power.

Of course, I love Google.  The challenge here is that IT works better when systems are integrated, but you need competition for innovation.    I’ll have to think on this more.

The Incredible Inedible – Google « Scottamcgavin’s Weblog

The Incredible Inedible – Google « Scottamcgavin’s Weblog

Scott’s post reminds me of a forward-thinking doctor I have had a chance to work with.  The doctor said that the culture of the medical field is that if the doctor doesn’t know the answer to a particular question, the doctor will make up some excuse to step out of the exam room to go look it up in his office.  Now, with computers in many exam rooms, the doctor will sit down with the patient and Google the answer online.  The doctor finds the answer while also serving as a role model for how to search for infomration. 

I had a statistics question when I was writing my Ph.D. dissertation, so I went to an expert.  He did the same thing, sat down on Google and tracked down the answer.  I believe it was Einstien who said, “why would I memorize [the periodic table] when I can look it up.”  Google takes that sentiment to a whole new level.  Nowadays expertise isn’t about knowing the right answer but knowing where to look…and knowing its the right answer when you find it.

Why Chrome?

Why Chrome Won’t Crash Windows

There has been considerable attention this past week about Google’s new web browser – Chrome.  I have to admit, I am a bit confused by this move by Google.  Google’s claim is that they are introducing their own browser in an attempt to defend itself from Microsoft possibly making changes to the IE platform.  I’m not sure I buy that rationale.  Google already has a hedge against Microsoft…the opensource FIrefox browser.  So, my question is why would Google develop its own brower, rather than enhancing Firefox.  One answer may be becuase they can.  Google has lots of money and lots of brainpower and they can afford to release small pilot projects without a complete understanding of why they are doing so.  Another reason may be more nefarious – becuase they want greater control over online advertising.   A Google browser could either a) provide another channel for advertising outreach or b) could be optimized to enhance Google’s existing advertising model.  I suspect the truth is somehow a combination of both factors.  If someone has a better explanation, though, I’d love to hear it.