Google and Microsoft: Question about Trust
December 24, 2008
I think you know the answer. The free market generated the current financial environment here in rural Kentucky. You may have a better time of it in your locale, however. When I read “Can Google and Microsoft Be Trusted with the Web?”, I know the answer. I will share it after a couple of comments. You will want to read Mat Asay’s article for CNet news here. The story was pegged by the impact of Chrome on Google’s Mozilla relationship and comments by Silicon Valley luminaries about the growing influence of Google and Microsoft. Mr. Asay also references the special “fast lane” Google allegedly floated to telcos until the Wall Street Journal broke the story. Google responded, “Who me?” Several observations:
- I am not sure Microsoft is carrying the same weight as the GOOG. Dominance of the Web is, in my opinion, Google’s area of expertise. Microsoft is probably flattered by inclusion, but I think its role is somewhat less than Google’s.
- What’s with the sudden concern? The GOOG has been plodding along for a decade and now people are concerned. Too late, in my opinion.
- Trust? Now I am not sure I trust anyone to manage the Web. I am confident that Google will make an effort to become the Web. Whatever falls within its grasp, it will use to its benefit. Not much of a surprise there in my opinion.
So, the answer to this question, Can Google and Microsoft Be Trusted with the Web?”, is “No.” A better question is, “What will Web users do about the situation?” I have no answer to this question. My instinct is that denial and procrastination may be useful tools. What’s your take? Here’s the Washington Post’s angle?
Stephen Arnold, December 24, 2008
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