Gates Foundation Indirectly Aids Google, Hurts Microsoft
December 21, 2008
When I saw the story about the Gates Foundation pumping money into libraries to boost their free Internet access, I wondered if Google was quietly celebrating. You can get the details about the $7 million grant here. The intent was admirable. The indirect impact, in my opinion, will be a boost to the Google. PBS’s take on the story shows that the Gates Foundation dug into data:
The Gates Foundation noted that a recent study by the ALA found that nearly three out of four libraries – 73% – are the only source of free public Internet access in their communities.
The problem is that Google’s dominance of search is growing in America’s garbage can, inflationary economy. With more than 60 to 75 percent of the search market in Google’s paws, the Gates Foundation money is creating more Google traffic. I wonder if the Gates Foundation considered hard wiring the browsers to use only Live.com’s search system. If the trial program works out, the Gates Foundation may provide more cash so Google gets even more traffic. For those who doubt that Google has won the search wars, why not explain to me what’s wrong with my hypothesis? Bring some facts, please. Assertions by angry 30 year olds don’t move me.
Stephen Arnold, December 21, 2008
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