We have a mantra: don’t be evil, which is to do the best things we know how for our users, for our customers, for everyone. So I think if we were known for that, it would be a wonderful thing. The Star Trek computer doesn’t seem that interesting. They ask it random questions, it thinks for a while. I think we can do better than that. Basically, our goal is to organize the world’s information and to make it universally accessible and useful. You don’t need to have a 100-person company to develop that idea. The ultimate search engine would basically understand everything in the world, and it would always give you the right thing. And we’re a long, long ways from that.” (author: Larry Page, One of the Founders of Google)
It sounds like the founders of the big “G” set out to become a giant all-knowing, benevolent computer system that provides information to everyone on the planet. I would say that they are well on their way.
On a basic level the gang at Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products that are available for free (mostly) to anyone who can access the internet. They generate profits through advertising on their AdWords program.
Google runs over one million servers located around the world and processes over one billion search requests daily. They also serve, or administer, over twenty petabytes (What’s a petabyte? Glad you asked. It is over 1 quadrillion bytes or 1,000 terabytes or 1,000,000,000,000,000 bytes.) of user-generated data every day. That is a ton of information.
They are the most visited website on the internet. They are Fortune Magazine’s fourth best place to work and arguably the world’s most powerful brand. They have critics regarding the privacy of individuals, but the also have advocates, like me.
How does the big “G” help me? Or, better yet, how can you use it in your business?
Every day I run the fastest web browser available to search the internet and complete most of my tasks every day, Google Chrome. This is a free application that anyone can download at google.com/chrome. It is a lean, mean, surfing machine – allowing me to quickly navigate the internet without wasting time with browser “lock-up” or difficult to manage security features.
I open the following sites everyday (and they run all day) in Chrome: Gmail (or Google Mail), Google Calendar and Google Reader. All three are free and manage most of my communication. All three are easy to use and sync to my iPhone without me having to do anything. All three are more powerful that Microsoft Outlook and I can access them one whatever computer I happen to be working on.
Gmail – With over 7GB of space available for free, (and additional available for $) I have room for all of my email correspondence and Contact management. Rather than working on an archaic “folder” system like Outlook, Gmail is built with a “label” system and robust search tool that allows you to immediately find old emails and never half to worry about keeping track of new mail. New emails load quickly and can be organized with a variety of methods: keyboard shortcuts, drop-down menus or even “drag-n-drop” functionality. I have over six different email addresses being checked and organized by Gmail. Bottom-line: Gmail is the ONLY way to do email.
Google Calendar – Like your mom and your wife put together, Google Calendar will remind you of everything you ever forgot! It integrates with Gmail and all other popular mail programs to send invitations to events or appointments. You can create multiple calendars for other people to see, or private calendars for just you. Events and appointments are easy to create and Google Calendar gives you a variety of ways to be reminded of upcoming events. Desktop pop-ups, text-message alerts and even email reminders. Throw your old datebook away; it is time to use Google Calendar.
Google Reader – Keeping track of news and articles on the web can be exhausting. Trying to stay on top of industry relate news or finding tutorials can be a nightmare. Enter Google Reader. It will aggregate all of the sites and posts you are interested in on the web and collect them onto an easy application to read, view and share information. It uses RSS (Really Simple Syndication) from websites to feed the reader. Just pick the sites you want info from and it pulls it into Google Reader for you. Cut your internet research time in half and start sharing your findings with other on Google Reader.
In the end, Google seems poised to take over the world. At least they have mine. I am the better for it. As long as the stick to the motto: “Do no evil.” I think we are all going to benefit.
If you would like to know how to integrate Google services into your business, give me a call at 803-640-8724 or shoot me an email – I will be checking it on Gmail.
JEREMY MACE is a founder and the Principal Social Media Consultant for New Fire Social Media. With over 15 years of experience in graphic design and web development, Jeremy is uniquely positioned to execute Social Media strategies and to implement real world solutions for companies and non-profits. Contact the self-proclaimed “Head Pyro” at jmmace@newfiresocialmedia.com and listen for his weekly social media segment on Fridays at 12:20 on the “Buzz on Biz” on 1630 AM and streaming on www.wrdwam.com. 803.640.8724. twitter @jeremymaceSocial Pyro
Popularity: 5% [?]
Besides plenty of funny banter, stock market reports, local and national buzz—the boyz(Bill Botham and John Patrick) welcome in the following guests from 12-2pm on WRDW 1630AM and streaming live on www.wrdwam.com
