|
Microsoft's Search Engine not a Challenge yet says Google |
|
|
|
During his Technology Alliance speech in Seattle, Eric
Schmidt chief executive of Google said it wouldn't be
right to think of Google as merely a Web search
company. "We prefer to think of ourselves as one of
the players in the information business."
That's part of the reason he doesn't see Microsoft's
efforts to break into search as a threat - yet! He
clarified his thinking by pointing out that Google are
innovators - they're not interested in doing what's
already being done especially if it's being done well
- there's unlikely to be a Google version of Office or
Internet Explorer although he did say that he would
never say never.
Microsoft is still developing search and they've made
it to number three in the rankings, primarily on the
back of their existing MSN and Hotmail services, but
they've a long way to go to catch Google and Yahoo in
pure search terms. In the meantime, the two leaders
are innovating to attract more searchers and
attracting more searchers increases the audience to
sell to the advertising community - where they both
derive most of their revenue and therefore profit.
Microsoft still makes the bulk of its profits from the
Windows operating system and the software that goes
with it.
Google's view is that the internet is independent of
operating systems thus reducing dependence on Windows
- that makes Microsoft somewhat more vulnerable than
those without the same constraints. Google's newer
services like GMail and the Personalised page are
platform independent.
There's a stark contrast in the attitudes of the two
companies. Microsoft are almost preoccupied with
watching Google's expansion whilst the latter are only
mildly curious about what Microsoft are doing. While
Gates' people are craning to look over the wall at
what Google are at, Google are primarily concerned
with their own development and innovations.
Schmidt's position seems sound. The growth in Internet
business is exponential - he spoke of "plenty of room
for all the players" and "multiple winners".
Reuben Dunn
Jump2Top.Com
Search Engine Optimization Company |
