Google's Big Move

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Google's Big Move

Google has deprecated their SOAP Search API in favor of an AJAX Search API. This move provoked a great deal of discussion.

Some say the move was purely technical - Google is leaving its angled bracket XML partner to move in with the younger, sexier JSON. Others say the move was a business decision - Google can't afford to let advertising opportunities slip by.

I think Google did solve a technical problem. The problem was unregulated XML data. The solution was an AJAX control. Control is the essential word. The scripts that Google requires for the new search API keep them in control of the search results, the branding, and the advertisements. Producing data from an XML web service doesn't afford this level of control, but producing behavior through a ubiquitous scripting language does.

This could be the first of many backlashes against the bohemian goal of creating free-for-all mashups. Companies with balance sheets and stockholders aren't looking for a technology that will give them data interoperability, but a technology that will protect their investments.

AJAX is the DRM technology for the Web 2.0.

Print | posted @ Wednesday, December 27, 2006 7:07 PM

Comments on this entry:

# re: Google's Big Move

by Andy at 12/27/2006 7:49 PM

I totally think Google sucks for pulling a stunt like this. Mashups rock and for them to do this just shows how two faced they really are. they only do "open" apps when it benefits them directly. Their Chinese Google version just proves this in spades.

# re: Google's Big Move

by scott at 12/27/2006 8:06 PM

Andy! Long time no post!

Companies like Google walk a really fine line. Another example is the lawsuits by publishers and newspapers who want to "protect" (for lack of a better word) content from Google. Google fights them off with one hand and protects Google content with the other.

Too bad these cases end up in courts that are out of touch with 1s and 0s.

# re: Google's Big Move

by Andy at 12/27/2006 11:41 PM

A spot on analysis. Love the AJAX-DRM line. Many other sites have been writing an anti-SOAP angle. The javascript AJAX control gives Google a new advertising platform. They should go the Amazon (or to some extent Yahoo) way and have commercial/paid webservices. Companies will pay good money for high quality webservices.

# re: Google's Big Move

by Nagarajan at 12/28/2006 5:14 AM

How to create a Blog?

# re: Google's Big Move

by scott at 12/28/2006 5:40 AM

Well, Nagarajan, first you have to ask yourself - "Do I really want a blog?". Some people start blogging only to discover they would rather spend thier online time chatting with tattooed, naked women in the virtual strip clubs of Second Life.

But seriosuly, you might want to sign up on a blog engine that is already setup, like http://www.blogger.com/start or myspace.com.

# re: Google's Big Move

by admin at 12/28/2006 4:02 PM

Andy:

I thought about this and it does make sense to charge for a quality web service. I wonder if this is something we will see more of in the future.