Google Defines Open
December 21, 2009
Google prefers short communications. In fact, in most cases, Google prefers minimalist communications. Posts on MOMA are a living library of short messages. When a big Google message appears, something is up. Lots of words create targets. A long message means that the anti Google crowd can study Googzilla’s tracks and figure out something Google might not want to reveal.
The long essay “The Meaning of Open” by Googler Jonathan Rosenberg is worth reading. The addled goose flapped through the document and noted several points. The addled goose reads Google prose against the background of Google’s patent documents and technical papers. Not surprisingly, the “Sergey and Larry eat pizza crowd” see one thing; the addled goose sees another.
Three points:
- Google is going to ride the open pony hard in 2010. The sharp little hooves will gallop over those who don’t get with the program or follow the Google agenda. I have been saying “Surf on Google” for years. My thought is that Mr. Rosenberg will steer his pony away from Google surfers kicking back on the beach. Non Google surfers might not be treated exactly the same way.
- The “open” card is like a chess move. Once the game enters its final stages, open will become closed. Not much of Google technical plumbing is open, and it may never be.
- The challenge Google will pose is to the big, fuzzy enterprise software vendors who already offer open software and systems. Google is likely to follow the path of least resistance. I know that everyone sees Google gunning for Microsoft. I would not be too sure. I think the competitive flow may hold some surprises in 2010.
Like I said, surf on Google. Better to ride the wave than get smashed on the rocks.
Stephen E. Arnold, December 21, 2009
A freebie, a freebie. With DC in hibernation, I suppose the oversight becomes the responsibility of the National Park Service. Hence, I am reporting no taco for me for this write up.
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