Google Grows Up

It’s probably a little incredulous to refer to a multi-billion dollar, massive organization like Google as ‘growing up’ but hear me out.

One of the frequent criticisms of Google is that they have no strategy beyond search. Until now, I could see that, but as of today that argument should be officially dead with their announcement of the Google Chrome Operating System. It should be fairly obvious to all that Google is growing into it’s own as a software company (as opposed to a web services company or an advertising company). In other words, where Microsoft has failed to enter Google’s arena (search) for the past six years in any meaningful way, Google definitely is entering Microsoft’s in BIG form.

First, with Android, Google threw the gauntlet down to challenge Microsoft (and of course Apple) in mobile. Then with the Chrome browser, Google took on Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Apple’s Safari and another longterm partner, Mozilla Firefox. Not only that but Gmail and Google Apps have finally emerged from beta which are yet more offerings that compete with all of the aforementioned companies and more.

So where does this put Google’s overall strategy?

Google’s Web Strategy Search Adsense Gmail Apps/Docs Video

Google’s Software Strategy Google Desktop Android Maps/Earth/Latitude Chrome Browser Chrome OS

Of course Google is also experimenting with other types of business models like it’s phone services, print services, and hardware products like Google Search Appliance and Google Mini, but none of those services or products have serious market share for a company it’s size. However, it looks like Google is finally flexing it’s muscle in new areas of innovation. Smart, especially if Microsoft’s Bing keeps nipping at it’s heels in search.

My favorite related headline of the day “Google Drops A Nuclear Bomb On Microsoft. And It’s Made of Chrome“.