The battle for the clouds (Google)

Imagine this… you power on your computer at home, a web based client instantly pops up with an interface similarly to that of facebook, twitter allowing you to socialize with your friends. Don’t like their layout? Just change the background or shift the widgets around to your liking. Want to create a words document? No problem, you just click on the web link on the page and you are immediately directed a new tab with a familiar MSoffice like interface. PDF, Excel, PowerPoint you name it, they are all available. Moreover, you don’t even need a power desktop as all the apps are loaded in an apps server and your document in some SAN storage that can be situated somewhere in the world. But what happen if you are on the road, you might ask? Just grab your phone from your pocket, release the key lock and Viola! You are greeted with an interface similar to that of your desktop but tailored for your device. You can access all your friends’ contacts and what’s more, you can dig out the document you prepare last night to review and even edit it real-time. More incredibly, these are available at a low subscription fee! Hmmm, that doesn’t sound too appealing? Well, there is a cost free option, you just need to do a simple registration online and pick the type of Ads from a list of companies you are interested in and this will then in turn be displayed on side bar of your PC or as flashing icons on your phone. But you will need to pick a minimum number of Ads option to qualify for the free subscription.

Sounds familiar? This is because the transition has already begun. Among the various efforts to move us towards this new paradigm, Google stands out as the clear contender. After winning much deserving fame from their search engine algorithm, much effort has been spent in rolling out application that complements its existing business.

In 2004, Google launched its first web mail application which was very well received by the public. At the same time, they also acquired a technology company Where2, which it later used to springboard its Google map service. The location based product line initiative has since blossom into whole range of popular products such as Google earth, google map mobile apps, Google latitude etc.

In 2005, Google bought Android Inc., a small startup firm that specializes in mobile phone software. This paved the way for them to launch Android OS for mobile devices with the first device HTC dream being launched in 2008.

In 2006, they launched Google doc line of product, providing web based documentation editing and creating tools.

In 2008, Google release its own web browser.

Google announced their plan to launch its own Operating System, Google Chrome OS in 2009 (Chrome Preview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QRO3gKj3qw ). In the same year, they also acquired Admob, a mobile advertising company and launch its Google Wave web services. The warm reception Wave initially garnered sizzle out after a while as user realize that it is not be a tool for everyone but Wave nonetheless serves as a playground for Google to experiment with application, services that will enhance our user experience in future..

So what is in stall for 2010, Just last week Google launched its first own mobile product Nexus one. The device that did not receive good press and was clouded by issue ranging from data connectivity and support management. But Google isn’t Apple; it is trailing in unfamiliar ground, which is retailing. It remains to be seen if they can learn about selling stuff as good as they churn out web services. Google will probably be launching their Chrome OS line of products this year and they will likely adopt two approaches in this line of their products. We will see some new releases for Chrome web browser. They will probably want to revamp the layout of the web browser to make it similar to what they have on Chrome OS, giving the users on other platforms access to Chrome OS environment. They will likely partner or acquire a thin client manufacturer such as Devon IT, Ncomputing, WYSE Tech etc., all who participated in the Vegas CES. Much like Android’s phone, Google may decide to sell the Chrome devices themselves, well… that will depends on how their latest Nexus move fans out.

Google, I think will be also be thinking of buying (or already in the midst of buying) one of the popular social networking companies. Twitters and Facebook looks probable (I would have chosen Facebook, but that’s just me ). But even then, they would have to convince Mark. Z to sell and they might want to do this before Facebook launch their much anticipated IPO, of course Facebook will not be cheap.

Henry

My 2 cents view for 2010

As a whole I see world economy entering a sizeable downward correction phase in Q2.

US dollar should edge up in after Q3 and stabilized at that spread throughout the year.

Gold will maintained as a choice of hedge and price will likely remain above 1000USD throughout 2010

Oil should be reach 90ish level in Q2 but is unlikely to break 100USD resistance. It will likely be bearish for the rest towards year end.

Let see hows my prediction fans out... finger cross!

India growing mobile story

The recent publication on Bloomberg caught my eye ""India Telecoms Cut to ‘Cautious’ at Morgan Stanley". Those who I have spoken to, knows that I have been advocating the view that the next two years will be tough for Telco players in India. Although she is still without doubt the highest growing mobile market in the world, the ARPU in India is extremely low as a result of fierce pricing war between competitors and low utilization rate (in rural area) which will continue to take their toll on the players. In spite of this, India remains a pretty attractive venue for foreign players eager to find an alternative to their maturing domestic market. The most prominent of this is of course Vodafone. After acquiring the Hutch’s controlling stake from Hutch Essar, Vodafone Essar has been by far the most aggressive foreign player in India trailing only behind Bharti and Reliance in term of customers. The payoff to Vodafone has been a take rate of around 2 millions new subscribers in the exploding market every month. Mind boggling it seems, but it will be a number the giant has to keep up with in order to make presence relevant in a market with such low margin. But with its deep pocket however, Vodafone will surely remains as one of the top contenders in the imminent consolidation.

India regulator, TRAI for its part has been more willing to let the market “invisible hand” works its magic as compared to China. Like most emerging markets however, TRAI influence I feel has been lacking in area where control matters and policies so far has been drawn with consumer as the primary interest. This will need to be change for the long term benefit of India telecommunication ecosystem. Ultimately, collapsing carriers will serve to benefit no one, unless you are shopping for one.

Let it begins

I have been dwelling about the idea of blogging for awhile... Well, its definitely a cost effective way in getting your idea across... that is, if anyone bothers to read it.. LOL

so here goes.....