With the Flip of a Switch: Google is Poised to Compete with Leading Publishing and News Companies, According to New Research from Outsell, Inc

Business Wire, June 26, 2007

Outsell report gives an inside look at how Google's infrastructure, patents and agile development processes give the company an edge

BURLINGAME, Calif.& LONDON -- A new Outsell, Inc. report on Google's technology reveals that Google can enter the publishing industry at any time with the "flip of a switch."

"News publishers and providers, book and magazine publishers, and directory providers are all in Google's line of fire," said Leigh Watson Healy, Chief Analyst, Outsell.

The Outsell research, developed with GGReport--"Google as Publisher: Is Google Poised for a New Push into the Information Industry?"--looks at how Google's technical infrastructure, patents and agile development processes give the company the readiness to enter the publishing segment, whether accidentally or intentionally. A unique feature of the report is a comprehensive list of Google's publishing-related patents, which can be "powered up" under the right circumstances. Google has also assembled technologies that extend along the entire spectrum of publishing's core functions--from content acquisition to e-commerce and royalty payments.

According to Stephen E. Arnold, GGReport's technology analyst, "Pundits focus on Google's search and advertising business. Google has developed powerful content acquisition and publishing tools under the radar of most Wall Street analysts and publishers. Combined with Google's Checkout, a payment system similar to eBay's, Google can become a one-stop shop and disintermediate anyone between the author or content creator and the buyer."

The Outsell report analyzes:

-Google's content creation engine.

-The cost and automation advantages of Google's "intelligent" publishing system over a traditional publisher's operation--which represent formidable barriers to entry.

-Essential actions for existing publishers and information providers that want to remain competitive should Google make a move, such as quickly adopting an agile publishing platform.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Outsell information industry analysts are available to discuss the report and individual companies. Journalists should contact Dawn Ringel, Warner Communications, 781-449-8456 or dawn@warnerpr.com.

Companies that would like to purchase this report should go to http://www.outsellinc.com/store/products/506?refid=home or contact Outsell at 650-342-6060 or info@outsellinc.com.

ABOUT OUTSELL, INC.:

Outsell is the only worldwide market research and consulting company that delivers must-have intelligence and advice to publishers and information providers. We analyze markets, companies, and trends, and provide fact-based recommendations for high-level executives and product development, marketing, and strategy teams. In addition, we work with information managers to benchmark spending and demonstrate best practices. Outsell invests significantly in original research each year to guide clients in optimizing their strategies, plans, and performance. Outsell's headquarters are in Burlingame, CA, US and Outsell company EPS is based in London, UK. Visit us at www.outsellinc.com.