Stephen Arnold spent the last year researcing Google's patents for his new US$180 PDF ebook, “The Google Legacy.” From examining the patents, he thinks he knows where Google is headed, and how it will outfox Microsoft by changing the focus of computing from the desktop to the network (just as Microsoft outfoxed IBM by changing the focus from the data center to the desktop.)
Some of his points are:
- Google has distributed data centers (the basis of its search engines).
- Google is buying unused fiber optic transmission cables.
- Google is interested in wireless networking.
- Google’s RTG implements 70% of the functions of Microsoft's Office.
- Google Maps has technology that could compete with Microsoft’s PowerPoint.
- Google has re-coded Linux to meet its needs.
- the Googleplex could expanded indefinitely.
- Like IBM, Google merges hardware and software.
- Users on the virtual network won’t need to backup, or setup, or restore (Gmail this week got a new, automatic save feature).
"In a broader sense, Arnold believes Google is building a 'patent fence around search' technology as the firm moves to codify its unique competitive advantage. An ultimate goal of the firm is to deliver completely individualized ads to users."
The third chapter of the eBook is free, and available here.
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