Dell: Google's Secret Weapon Against Microsoft?
Recent comments by Google execs make it clear that Google views Dell Computer as its secret weapon against chief nemesis Microsoft. In fact, there's lots of evidence pointing to an important nexus between Google's recently rebuffed antitrust allegations about a new Microsoft Web browser and the three-year-long deal Google recently reached with Dell. The connection here is one of cause and effect, action and reaction. To put it more specifically, Google's entered into the new relationship with Dell to help neutralize the advantages Microsoft derives from its powerfully popular Internet Explorer browser. Google executives say the Dell deal was born of a need to satisfy users, not in response to Microsoft deciding to use an upcoming version of its No. 1-ranked Web browser to promote its own rival search engine. But that public position is hard to square with comments made June 1 by CEO Eric Schmidt, and the events of the last few months. Consider how, in early May, it was learned that Google had expressed grave concerns about how Microsoft planned to make MSN Search the default search engine in a future release of its Internet Explorer Web browser. In this set-up, Microsoft stands a much better chance of people using its search engine over anybody else's, studies have shown. Google quietly complained, sources say, about the supposedly unfair practice to antitrust investigators in the United States and Europe. A lot of people defended Microsoft, pointing out it merely was reaping all the benefits of building and supporting its own Web browser, which happens to be the most popular in the world. Critics said if Google really wanted the same kind of inherent advantages, it should go out and build a browser itself. Google appears to have done something arguably more significant when, last week, it announced that tens of millions of Dell computers will soon come preloaded with two of Google's more popular Internet features. Also, a Web browser that comes with the Dell computers will have a default home page created by Google and Dell. In a way, Google's got the advantage over Microsoft, when comparing Google's presence on Dell's computers and the spotlight given Microsoft in its new browser. Google's search features will be among the first things that a large number of Dell computer users will see when they first fire up their computers. That arguably trumps any of the benefits Microsoft has engineered for itself via its new browser. And the Dell deal builds upon a relationship Google has with Mozilla, makers of the Firefox browser. There's a version of the browser that promotes use of an embedded Google search tool. So when Schmidt rebuffed suggestions of a Google browser in the making during a June 1 conference call with financial analysts, it helped to further point out the significance of the Dell/Google deal. "People have some good browser choices already," Schmidt offered. "We will not build a browser for the fun of building a browser." He went on to say that Google's "ecstatic" about the benefits so far from partnering with Dell. "We've seen increases in the number of both traditional users, and also saw new users. It's a win-win. That's why I mentioned we were so happy." |
Comments (20)
For most internet blogs, I would not comment. But its sad to see eWeek articles that are clearly not edited or reviewed. Come on, at least pretend to be a real new source checking more than just spelling.. Its painful to read. Paragraph 12: "In away, Google's..." Horrible.. It should be "In a way", not "In away" Paragraph 17: "He went onto say..." Ugh.. "He went on to say", not "He went onto"
Posted by Really annoyed reader.. | June 1, 2006 1:27 AM
The typos you point out have been fixed.
Posted by Ben Charny | June 1, 2006 3:48 AM
oh big deal some typos. must be the end of the world now.Quick everyone hide the typos are coming. im so scared. can you see it . they are droping typo bombs my brain cant handle it. what are you linguo from simpsons.? this is the internet. not everyone is an english major. and if you are maybe you should also learn how to read better. didnt bother me one bit. and its not my first language or second or third or fourth.
Posted by annoyed at the annoying readers | June 1, 2006 7:52 AM
Yet another comment that's not about the Google-Dell story: I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm "really annoyed" but I do despair at sloppy writing. Yes, it's "just a blog" but unless you're writing about your pets on MySpace, and especially if you're a journalist representing a news organization, it hurts your credibility among those who notice. And it hints at disrespect to your readers. So, yes, I do think it matters, even if we can all "read through" the typos. Not to add fuel to the fire, but hey "annoyed reader" -- if paw.org is your site and you're going to insulting people for their typos, you might want to fix the typo on your homepage ("Google hosted Eamil")
Posted by Waving the white flag | June 1, 2006 9:50 AM
When I see sloppy writing, it means the person is either typing too fast, or is just sloppy. And that there is no editing going on. I'm surprised about that. It makes me think less of the blog. Anyway, I do think the tone of Google Watch seems to be in the vein of 'conspiracy hunting' a little too much. Google is such an interesting company that it is entirely unnecessary. This article is a prime example. I think the Google-Dell deal is great. Let Ballmer rant and rave. The world is better if not everything goes Microsoft's way. That's interesting. (However, Ballmer's reaction might get covered in Microsoft Watch, not this blog)
Posted by a google watcher | June 1, 2006 10:02 AM
I've got enough people trying to fix manage and control my every move, so if I typeo or miss speel so what?! Get over yourself mr.\mrs. Perfection Being new to the Internet, and wet behind the ears when it comes to this computer stuff, I think it's great what Dell & Google have teamed up to do. Even though I, like so many others, use microsoft products I feel that for to long they've dominated the industry, so much so to the extent that I almost have no choise but to use windows. It seems that the whole world, or at lest the biggest majority of it runs on windows! It's about time that microsoft had a little competition! Hope you liked my spelling
Posted by New on the net | June 1, 2006 10:43 AM
C'mon, what a deal! Google as the default page on all Dell machines ? Gee, that's a scoop. Who do they think we (internauts) are ? Imagine the same deal in the automotive industry. GM filling the tank of their new cars with Exxon unleaded, just in case new happy-dummy car owners are stupid enough to stick to Exxon for the rest of their lives... If this is the state of the art in IT strategy, well, I'm Napoleon.
Posted by yann | June 1, 2006 12:29 PM
Sure, you know how to change the default home page for your browser but many do not. It is sad how many users NEVER change it from the default MSN page that MS builds in. Google's deal IS significant only because the average user is so pathetic. Lesson #1, marketing 101.
Posted by msterling | June 2, 2006 9:51 AM
yann, I agree with msterling, this is actually pretty huge. People, as a general rule, don't mess with the factory defaults*. Why else would anyone take Microsoft to court (over and over again) for making IE -- and by extension the MSN homepage -- the default on Windows machines? This is very significant in terms of market position... * Studies seem to indicate that a HUGE number of people will type the name of the search engine they want into the search field of their default engine -- e.g., they type "google" into the MSN search page to get to the Google search interface so they can do a Google search. Instead of making Google their default. That's how clueless the average user can be, and why you want to be the default.
Posted by internet marketer | June 2, 2006 10:51 AM
Hey Correct English Nazi...there should be an 's' or your new. IT'S A 'NEWS SOURCE' NOT A 'NEW SOURCE'!!!!! Dont u have anething beter too do wit 'ur' time?!? People who live in glass houses...
Posted by JD | June 2, 2006 11:18 AM
I think it is a smart move by Google. Its easier to market other google products once they have this launchpad. As far as the debate over English and grammar is concerned, as long as you get the message, it shouldn't matter. I don't see why everyone is complaining about english on a blog over Google & Microsoft. Its not like people here are giving their english exams and everyone has to be so critical about it.
Posted by Sreekanth | June 2, 2006 4:26 PM
Woh teh fcuk craes ?
Posted by Das Boot | June 3, 2006 5:57 PM
Heh, all the pedants getting menstral over the spelling mistakes reminds me of this guy at work who corrects me whenever I say Linux pronounced like minus instead of mini. I love pedants. They are cool people :).
Posted by skinhat | June 3, 2006 7:35 PM
Yet another means of letting Big Bruva (oops Google) into your personal life. "Google, the TV that watches YOU
Posted by 1984 Fan | June 4, 2006 8:12 AM
Google says it's buying up a lot of Dell server products. Expect more Dell gear to creep deeper into Google's innards.
Posted by Google Watch | June 6, 2006 9:18 PM
Google says it's buying up a lot of Dell server products. Expect more Dell gear to creep deeper into Google's innards.
Posted by Google Watch | June 6, 2006 9:23 PM
Google says it's buying up a lot of Dell server products. Expect more Dell gear to creep deeper into Google's innards.
Posted by Google Watch | June 6, 2006 9:43 PM
Just one more reason to laught your ass off at MS and switch to Mac or Linx system. DOS was a very usible system. Windows was a great product tell 98. Then it started down the long slope of "Conform to our product or die" XP to me is worthless. It fights me all the time. Few times of Year ive got to Prove I paid for the softwear. And MS and the Goverment had a backdoor key to access XP any time they want. So tell me why should i pay for a service full of bullshit like this? I would be more then happy just to go back to Raw Dos and use old text message emails.... whoops i do with my cell. I guess thats why PC sales are dieing and everone is going cell. Net has lost its charm, and is useless other then Porn,shoping and ebay.
Posted by rofllmao k | June 13, 2006 8:57 AM
Today we're running the first in a continuing series of conversations about everybody's favorite tech...
Posted by Google Watch | August 18, 2006 12:55 PM
Today we're running the first in a continuing series of conversations about everybody's favorite tech...
Posted by Google Watch | August 18, 2006 2:56 PM