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Posted by T.J. on February 11, 2008, 4:16 pm
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> impellus@attila.sdsu.edu says...
>
>> As I read about the attempt by Microsoft to take over Yahoo to compete
>> with Google, I wonder: what is google?
>>
>> Is this nothing but a search engine? A piece of software?
>>
>> True, in the beginning Yahoo would search for terms, while Google would
>> search for terms that had also been successfully searched for...
>>
>> But in the long run, both companies are just a piece of software.
>>
>> Now while *I* cannot write a search engine, I *believe* (and there may be
>> my operative and misguided understanding), someone, with modicum of
>> funds,
>> could easily write one.
>>
>> Some might say "but Yahoo/Google" have amassed a data base of searches
>> that make the search easier. But, could one not then argue that sites
>> change: a site here today could be gone tomorrow?
>>
>> So, I ask... what is google or yahoo that it is worth so much money?
>> At least HP MAKES computers, INTEL MAKES chips.
>>
>> What is Google?
>
>
> Part of the value is "goodwill." Meaning the general popularity
> of Google. How it is already positioned in the minds of so many
> people.
>
> Like the way that, the first page I visit each day is Google
> News. And the fact that, I have my browser's "home page" button
> set to Google.
>
> And the way that some people use the name as a verb - "I should
> Google that subject/person/event to get some more info."
>
> It certainly isn't the only search engine I use, but it tends to
> be the first choice. So I might try MSN and Yahoo afterwards, if
> I'm not satisfied yet. Although for some things, I'll go
> straight to Wikipedea or certain other reference type sites.
>
> Also, Google has extended themselves into non-search tools, like
> email and so forth. And they are working on more, like the idea
> of a mobile phone/PDA thingy.
>
> A lot of Google's dollar/market value is based on the established
> mindset of me and millions of other people. Sort of like the way
> a physical store or restaurant has "goodwill" value from its
> reputation and repeat shoppers or diners who can be expected to
> continue providing revenue, even if the place is sold to a new
> owner.
>
>
I would say that sums it up pretty well.
It's sort of like habit and familiarity.
Which is probably why Microsoft wanted to buy
Yahoo, not so much for the search technology, but
more for the customer base who still use Yahoo as their
favoured portal.
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