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More Google Domination: The Chromebook, the Cloud, and Google +1

June 6th, 2011

Internet Strategy, Marketing, Social Media, Strategy, Technical, Technology

If you haven’t noticed yet, Google has begun to take over the world (again).  The latest in a string of popular products, both online and physical, are being rolled out in the coming weeks.  While most of us are focusing on the Facebook like +1 addition, the true nugget comes in low cost notebooks that feature the Chrome OS.

As with everything Google, the first release in any of these products may be a bit shaky.  That’s tricky enough online, but taking that to the public in physical form is even more disastrous to an image.  Google is an old hand at product shipment, having learned its lessons from the Google Mini /Google Appliance era, except those products weren’t intended for end-users, but rather IT folks who are (said to be) far more tech savvy.  With the predicted release of a Chromebook and leasing terms to the tune of $28 to $20 a month (depending on the user type), Google will have plenty of chances to get the deployment, the OS, and the support just right – or fail miserably.

Of course the big lead here is simple: thin client access for complex applications, cloud based computing, and low cost.  Of course, all of the devices will leverage the Google Cloud, like iTunes, but for business.

In a more traditional Google way, they are also set to release the answer to Facebook’s popular “like” button, Google +1.  The +1 will come with accompanying analytics and flavors of implementation.  With over 160 million people actively using the Chrome browser there may be an interesting integration in the future.  But, it still feels like catch-up, so we’ll wait to see what else Google is planning to revitalize its slumped “social” enterprise.  Google Buzz, you were so bold!

Last but not least, Google has gone international with its App Store, by launching it in over 41 languages.  Its US debut in December should now be bolstered by the complement of the full browser user base.