The Future of Google?
Something I’ve wondered before now: What happens to Google after Sergey and Brin?
It’s something I’ve considered a few times, especially after The Times raised concerns about proprietary rights with the Google library project.
And after reading Dana Blankenhorn’s analysis of a young Microsoft vs IBM, in comparison to Google’s recent behaviours, I can’t help but wonder again: What happens to Google after Sergey and Brin?
If we imagine for a moment for Google will never go the way of Alta Vista, but will instead maintain market dominance of search in the long term - then what will Google become? A corporate bully as Microsoft are perceived to be?
Maybe that looks far-fatched - after all, Yahoo! and Microsoft are both big corporate rivals, not little Netscapes of Real Medias to push around.
But…what if a future Google CEO decides to preach “don’t do evil” in an empty Machiavellian fashion, while selling the company out to corporate greed and whimsy?
Does Google have any fail-safes to stop that ever happening?
Is the future success of Google something to be concerned about now?
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Thanks for noticing my piece. I originally saw the Gates illustration there on the cover of “Boardwatch” magazine in 1996. They sold lots of copies as a poster. This was when they were still owned by Jack Rickard.
Comment by Dana Blankenhorn — February 17, 2005 @ 11:49 pm
The comparison of Microsoft vs IBM was very interesting - and overall a good indicator that companies can change face. Whilst no one is accusing Google’s founders of going that way, I figure at some point Google need to consider the issue of succession, and how to protect the balance of academic vs corporate interests in the company.
Comment by Brian — February 18, 2005 @ 10:24 am
You are asking the right question.
Many companies lose their corporate cultures after the founders leave.
Some, like IBM, find it again. Most, like Polaroid, don’t.
We already know what Apple was like without Jobs, then Jobs came back.
We just have to wait and see.
Comment by Dana Blankenhorn — March 3, 2005 @ 2:56 am