Big Data Is the Only Way to Compete With Google

Author: 
Coverage Type: 

[Commentary] In addition to diverse search tools, Google’s assets also include a powerhouse of advertising services (AdWords, etc.), communication and publishing tools (Drive, Hangouts), developmental resources (OpenSocial), social platforms (Google Plus), map-related products (Google Maps), streaming entertainment (Google Play), statistical tools (Analytics), operating systems (Android, Chrome OS), desktop and mobile Web applications (Gmail), and even hardware (Galaxy Nexus). And yes, while Google’s search business continues to grow and expand successfully, it isn’t without potential competitors in major areas of its permeating business model.

And while there may be obvious competitors like Microsoft and Apple, there are other partners that could also become more fearsome competitors over time. Two that come to mind are Amazon and Salesforce. As Amazon continues to become the e-commerce giant, it may be able to siphon advertising revenue by diverting e-commerce traffic away from Google, and Salesforce’s combination of sales data with social insight may redirect real spend away from search into the more social arenas online.

[Hughes is CEO of The Search Agency]


Big Data Is the Only Way to Compete With Google