Google=Goliath?

The internet’s Goliath is getting stronger everyday. Google now claims 58% of all searches on the internet, and that number is expected to climb higher every month until they reach near 100%. Even at 58%, Google has substantial control over the content users see, and what they buy. Their stock reflects this too. As of fifteen minutes ago, their stock is 684 dollars. An investor willing to pay $684 for one stock shows extreme confidence in the company. In fact, broker Credit Suiss predicts the stock will hit $900. Google is a sure bet to getting rich, right? History tells us no.

There are so many examples of companies being on top of the world then quickly finding themselves at the bottom of the heap. For one, the government broke up the AT&T monopoly years ago. If Google’s dominance continues, the government could very well do the same exact thing. Further, the technology industry is exceedingly volatile. Major players one decade easily find themselves spectators the next. In 1997, Dell CEO Michael Dell said if he was in charge of Apple Computer he would shut it down, and give the money back to its investors. He was saying Apple had no chance of competing. Today, Apple is worth more than Dell. In the mid 90s, Nintendo ruled the video game market with an iron fist. Today, they must fight for their survival against Sony and Microsoft. In the 1940s, Chairman of IBM Thomas J. Watson once said “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” He obviously was dead wrong. I am trying to get my point across that Google’s dominance very well might be short lived. Nobody knows how people will find websites in the future. Traditional search engines might become obsolete. There is a saying that I feel is appropriate here. The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall. David killed Goliath with a new invention, a slingshot. A new player could kill Google with a technological advancement.