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Friday, November 07, 2003
Google Gently Encroaches on Microsoft's Turf with Desktop Search Bar
Very clever, Google: announcing a way for users to search without using a browser. That's one step ahead, even, of the Google Toolbar, a time-saver packed with features (like a pop-up killer) that many mainstream users remain unaware of.
So what's next? A Google Browser? How about a Google PDA? A Google OS?
Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Recall previous brave attempts to hit Microsoft where it lives. Corel Corp. has been one of the most famous. Not only did they make the mistake of trying to unseat Microsoft Office, but later, for spite, they teamed up with anyone else who was aiming to take away Microsoft's OS-based advantage (Sun, Linux). Remember the office suite written all in Java? How about the Corel Linux box?
Presumably, Google will compete vigorously with Microsoft, since the latter have clearly thrown down the gauntlet by entering web search in a bigger way, but Google is unlikely to make indiscriminate counterattacks in the near future. Sleeping dogs and all that. It's worth remembering the lessons learned from Corel and the enthusiasms of its mercurial CEO, Michael Cowpland.
Posted by
Andrew Goodman
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