Google Vulnerable to Alternative Search Engines?
Image credit: Newsweek
A Newsweek article makes the case for an alternative search engine to usurp Google and become the dominant 3rd generation search engine. Our own Charles Knight, from R/WW Network blog AltSearchEngines, features prominently in the article:
"If Google has been able to crush its search competition, it's not because it has perfected the art and science of Web searching. Far from it. Google is what the industry calls a "second-generation" search engine. First-generation engines like AltaVista found Web pages containing words that matched the user's search words. Google's innovation was to further rank a Web page by the other pages that link to it, on the somewhat shaky assumption that if a page is much-linked-to, it must be useful. Charles Knight, an analyst who runs the AltSearchEngines Web site, notes there's a plethora of good ideas for what a third-generation engine might bring to the party, and no shortage of companies trying to prove those ideas. "Each has shown they can do some aspect of a search better than Google can," says Knight."
Later in the article, it states that in 2005 and 2006, VC firms pumped $350 million into 79 search-related start-ups. Charles Knight tracks more than 1,000 search contenders, mostly U.S.-based, for AltSearchEngines.
Can one of the up-start startups usurp Google in the next generation of search? It'd be a brave person to bet against Google, given its resources and reputation for innovation. But the Newsweek article highlights very well that search isn't 'solved' yet and the switching costs to try another search engine are low. And so in those respects, Google is indeed vulnerable to a greater search technology coming along and wooing millions of users.
If you want to cover your bases and see what the Next Big Thing in search may be, I suggest you subscribe to AltSearchEngines! ;-)
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Yes, it is vulnerable because it makes us search like a machine doing iterations until we match its algorithms. However, we all humans who process information in a different way than Google makes us do.
I hope Google or someone can refine the searching process. If it's Google, fine, but somebody has to do it. I also wonder when access to the web will be seen in the same light as access to fresh water, electricity and garbage pick-up? I hope who ever "crushes" the competition offers search results without what seems to be a bias towards paying customers and commerce based web-sites.
Google search is good now. It will not be as good as many in a year or two. They has serious reasons to worry.
Search is valuable when the people are there. With better browsers, systems, and ways of working, people may not be going to the simple google page for everything. And with MS on their heels, it will be hard to see them making substantial progress in the long term. Adsense may not make a lot of sense with alternative ideas in the horizon, especially given the poor customer service it gives.
Remember, Yahoo was in Google's spot a few years back. That changed. I do see Yahoo getting to be more appealing to users despite the heaviness caused by Web 2.0 rigidity (like in the ever crashing Web 2.0 Yahoo Mail). Still Yahoo mail is appealing though.
With the page management technology getting more built-in features like Yahoo answers, I see the tide shifting. Google does not seem to be doing anything appealing on this side.
And with the purely mechanical customer service that Google has at the moment, the days are looking numbered.
200 billion to nothing in 200 days? I hope not. I hope Google really changes creatively. The opening of Google API is a nice step forward though on this regard. Over time, this may dilute them, but it all has to stabilize in the end.
Google Maps is practically the only items standing out. But how long can that be an edge - with the rest of them giving close offerings?
One search engine that I like is http://www.goodsearch.com/ where you can give money to charity, simply by doing online searches. Pretty cool, and a GREAT idea for non-profit charities!
it will take a long time before google runs out over budget !! so i think the adapt to new technologies faster then the 3de generations
Regardless of what generation search engine Google is (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) is nearly at this juncture almost irreverent.
Aside from the fact of their unique algorithm, it is the hands-down choice for millions of individuals daily for returning superior search / relevance results for queries.
Although other engines are out there, it they do manage to wrestle some form of market share from Google, just how many people will jump ship considering that most are creatures of habit and simply like something because they like it.
This is one arena that very well be the most competitive, but human behavior after all is what it boils down to. Giving people what they want, when they want it and that's what Google is known for.
I agree with the comment above. If someone manages to come up with some new technology - what are the chances that Google will buy the company and absorb it's technology simply refining it. I use Yahoo as my homepage for the news features but for searches - it is Google all the way!