Apple, then Google
The numbers are out. BusinessWeek recently ranked Apple as the #1 innovative company in the world.
We like that.
At PAS, we have used the iPod as an example to follow in our industry as of late. I’ve referenced it in the blog and made it a focal point at our Users Conference.
But we also like #2 on the BusinessWeek list of innovators: Google.
If you think Google is still just a search engine company, look again.
In the last 12-18 months, Google has rolled out a long list of impressive new web based applications. Some, they’ve developed on their own. Some they’ve acquired. Check out the “more >>” link at the top of the Google search page to see some of these, including Google News, Froogle, Gmail, Google Earth, Maps, Desktop, Calendar and more.
Google clearly holds simplicity and innovation in the same high esteem as Apple.
For example, Google’s Gmail application beats out all other web- based email offerings and even many client-based email applications. It is simple and highly functional – all in a browser-based mail client. And, it’s not just simplicity at work here. Google has made truly innovative use of core technologies, primarily AJAX, is playing a very important behind-the-scenes role.
Why should we all be paying attention?
Because customers tell us they want web access. And we want to listen to customers.
Some time ago, we debated the web-based vs. no-touch windows deployment approaches. There are still advantages for each approach, but the web approach looks to win out with each Google innovation….
iPods might be nice, but there is more long-term value in what Google is doing for the applications in our industry.
Our applications may already have much in common with Google, but I think we can still learn more – and bring even more benefit to customers…
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