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True but I think the parallel between Google and MS (of the 2000s) is more interesting in terms of the vital signs in their organization rather than on the prod
by mojuba 7y ago
True but I think the parallel between Google and MS (of the 2000s) is more interesting in terms of the vital signs in their organization rather than on the product level. Because Windows was only improving from release to release, while Search is getting shittier and shittier (sorry, can't find a better word for at least my own frustration with using it today). So Search may in fact die a quick and sudden death at this pace. Theoretically replacing Search can only take one browser update: offer a choice but rearrange the options, for example.
However, what Google and pre-Nadella Microsoft share is let's say living in a bubble of a tremendous success of one product that's also the main source of revenue (MS Office, and Google Ads), plus inability to innovate. This is an institutional/organizational symptom more than anything else.
Old HN'ers should remember PG's essay[1] so maybe now is the time to reassess Google's place in the world.
[1] http://www.paulgraham.com/microsoft.html http://www.paulgraham.com/microsoft.html
- Ygg2 7y agoYeah, I noticed a trend in Google search just sucking (being less relevant) more and more, but tbh same happened to Windows as well. However I do find Google's lack of relevancy way (compared to itself few years ago) more stark.
- riffraff 7y agoIsn't Google making more and more money from non-search products? e.g. Google cloud products, YouTube. It seems they are trying to differentiate, see also Google+, stadia etc, just not being very successful.
- mojuba 7y agoDoesn't seem to be the case [1] The article that comments on this chart says other sources (non-ad ones) look promising but it more sounds like a speculation because I don't see real signs of that. [1] https://www.theatlas.com/charts/n8ea9MPE0 https://www.theatlas.com/charts/n8ea9MPE0
- riffraff 7y agowhy not? it's about ~9B in 2016, ~11 in 2017, ~19B in 2018 and ~10B in the first six months of 2019, with the last quarter being the largest in the past. Sure, it's less than the ad business but it's doubled in 3 years, surely that's a healthy rate of growth?
- scarface74 7y agoThat’s revenue not profit.