By Nathan Weinberg
Expert Author
Article Date: 2006-02-06
Forbes gives Google grades on each of its courses, er services.
Search, the big kahuna, gets an A-, losing points due to concerns that Google is running out of inventory, that growth can't increase any more
Contextual ads scores C+, since Forbes doesn't think its as popular as it could be (possibly), the fact that Google doesn't make that much of a share of AdSense, and a lack of perceived growth for the platform
Google Local / Google Maps / Google Earth together earn a B+ grade, losing points only on the fact that monetization is taking time
Froogle sits in the corner with a D+, with its lack of popularity, lack of comissions from retailers, and slow development
Gmail squeeks in a C, hurting for lack of wide use and slow development (two years old this April!)
Google Base also gets a C, since few use it and there's no money. GBuy should help
Google Search Appliance / Google Mini get a nice B, since they make money and are well-regarded. Forbes only regret: Google could dominate this market, if only it applied itself
Google Pack rates only a C-, since there's no money there and no buzz
Google Video Store has to take home a C to mama, getting a bad grade for UI (compared to iTunes) and this analyst quote: ""Right now, I don't think Google cares if anyone buys videos at the store or not". Ouch!
Blogger can't like its C-, something it earned for lack of interoperability, lack of updates, and the fact that it doesn't earn a dime
Google Talk surprises with a shiny B-, Forbes recognizing its potential
So, grades of: A-B+BB-C+CCC-C-D+, do you think this Phd company is underperforming? Anyone want to calculate the GPA?
About the Author:
Nathan Weinberg writes the popular InsideGoogle blog, offering the latest news and insights about Google and search engines.
Visit the InsideGoogle blog.
