Still thinking that the Google Grid and the Evolving Personalized Information Construct are pure fantasy, just a history lesson from 2015? From The Times yesterday:
Google is working on a project to create its own global internet protocol (IP) network, a private alternative to the internet controlled by the search giant, according to sources who are in commercial negotiation with the company.
[...] A leading content provider, who did not wish to be named, told Times Online: "We are in discussions with Google to provide content for their alternative internet service, to be distributed through their Google Cube product. As far as I'm aware they have been conducting negotiations with a number of other players in our marketplace to provide quality content to their users."
[...] Contacted by Times Online today, a spokesperson for Google denied that it had any such plans, before adding its customary rider: "It's Google's policy not to comment on speculation concerning products before they are launched."
[Technorati: Google Grid, EPIC]
Neville,
I'm shocked to read about this on your post. I just blogged about this yesterday. I've been dying to talk to someone about this whole thing, but couldn't find anyone else who had heard about it. Maybe I've been moving in the wrong circles. Glad to see there's a discussion going on about it.
Scary and thought provoking, to be sure.
Posted by: Luke | 04 February 2006 at 13:31
Luke, it's an interesting scenario, isn't it? Just a rumour, though.
Quite a bit of commentary out there now re The Times' story:
http://www.technorati.com/search/business.timesonline.co.uk%2Farticle%2F0%2C%2C9075-2023600%2C00.html
and
http://www.blogpulse.com/conversation?query=Google%27s+private+internet&link=http%3A%2F%2Fbusiness.timesonline.co.uk%2Farticle%2F0%2C%2C9075-2023600%2C00.html&max_results=250&start_date=20060202&Submit.x=29&Submit.y=10&Submit=Submit
Posted by: Nevon | 04 February 2006 at 14:08
An alternative to the existing internet. Someone has to do it sometime and it was always going to be either Microsoft or Google.
The recent Google.cn business will make it harder to convert those of us already existing on the internet to make the shift but for those that will have no other method but the inexpensive proposed Google PC...
Clever gits. Shame for them (but good for us) that they didn't get around to it until the love affair was over.
Posted by: D. | 04 February 2006 at 21:25