You may have already heard about Google’s - GOOG launch of their browser Chrome. Just another chess move in Google’s attempt to take over the world.
20-some odd years ago Microsoft – MSFT took consumers by storm. They popularized the personal computer in the home, with their easy to adapt software (Windows). Over the years, Microsoft had made updates and changes to try and keep up with the times.
Soon Apple – AAPL “revolutionized” and Google set up shop in Silicon Valley. Since then, Microsoft has only had been dealt bad blow after bad blow.
With computers being such a vital part to any household or business, it is obvious that the dominant company would be the one with the most consumers. Not having many options to choose from, Microsoft has been such a huge part of the global economy for so long.
For a large part of their run, the closest competition was Apple, who specialized in computers and software; however, they weren’t much threat till post-y2k.
In Comes Google
What makes Google so unique from companies such as Microsoft and Apple is that there flagship product came through the use of the internet. Whereas Microsoft and Apple created software/hardware, Google has created internet applications.
Their Google search functions dramatically altered the way people use their computers. It allowed users to reach parts of the internet they never knew existed. They threw hotshots like Yahoo – YHOO to the curb and made multi-millionaires out of tons of their employees. Where a company like Microsoft is building from a platform towards online programs, Google is working in the complete opposite.
For some time now, Google has dipped its fingers into anything its employees could create; email software, online desktop platforms, maps, and much more. They already dominate the internet with ad revenue and search market share. There are even rumors of a Google phone to compete with the Apple’s iPhone.
Google’s browser, Chrome, only acts as another nail in Microsoft’s coffin and a step closer to world domination. In a world with so many different type of devices, platforms, and software, many people are looking to bring them all together. Google works on anything with an internet connection. That adaptability make their services very intriguing, and we can’t forget that most of their services are free.
Whats Holding Them Back
The need for an internet connection definitely hurts its ability to be taken serious as a “use-only” service. Not everybody as access to the internet everywhere they go. If you are on an airplane, out and about, or just don’t have service, then you really can’t use Google’s service. Although there are some form of offline versions, they just become to complicated and time consuming to sync everything.
Lack of physical software – What made Microsoft and Apple so popular is that these operating systems come bundled with the hardware. The being said, the average user will use what is given to them. Sure they might dabble into Google services, but only has a secondary option. Unless they can securely cut out these other platforms, Google will fail to completely take over.
Final Outcome
When a stock is already sitting in the 400′s it seems hard to say there is so much growth left to go in the stock. If Google is able to keep up their pace, then their is no reason why Google could not get to $900 in the next four years.
It is important for Google to no over-saturate the market with different “so-so” products but if they are able to somehow further knock out Microsoft, keep control of the internet market share, and gain in the offline area, then just sit back and enjoy the ride.
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