Jan 03 2006
The Google Story
I can’t recall when I started to use Google as my primary search engine but I do remember that once I started using it, there was no going back. It just provided me the search results I was looking for. No flashing ad banners, no noise .. just honest search results.
When the Google team expanded their offerings to include free e-mail I was right there with them. Quickly to be followed by Google Desktop Search (a must on XP machines!!), Talk and finally Google Local where you can locate services in your area, get directions, view satellite images, etc. And there is more, much more!
For the past few days I have been reading “The Google Story”, by David A. Vise and Mark Malseed. Even though I am only half way through the book but I would highly recommend it to individuals who follow the technology industry and are interested in the evolution of web-based businesses. The book is well written and is a great read for those of us who don’t read every article the NY Times and Wall Street Journal write about the company.
So what motivated me to write the posting was something I came across as I have been exploring Google’s corporate web site. Under Corporate Information the have a page that outlines their philosophy. This philosophy includes “Ten things Google has found to be true”. These are as follows:
• Focus on the user and all else will follow.
• It’s best to do one thing really, really well.
• Fast is better than slow.
• Democracy on the web works.
• You don’t need to be at your desk to need an answer.
• You can make money without doing evil.
• There’s always more information out there.
• The need for information crosses all borders.
• You can be serious without a suit.
• Great just isn’t good enough.
While many may feel that this is trivial, I have found that the culture Larry Page and Sergey Brin (co-founders of Google) have established for their company enforces doing what is right, not just about what can make them money. In this day and age that’s worth something. Google’s shareholders and users appear to agree.
BTW, if you don’t have a GMail account, send me an e-mail and I’ll send you a free invitation.
