Google +
June 28th, 2011 | by Jen |Google, which has been frustrated by a string of failed attempts to crack the social networking market, has introduced a full-fledged social network dubbed Google+. It is the company’s biggest foray into social networking since co-founder Larry Page took over as chief executive in April.
Page has made social networking a top priority at the world’s No. 1 internet search engine, whose position as the main gateway to online information could be at risk as people spend more time on sites like Facebook and Twitter.
“They had the luxury of making mistakes in the past with their social initiatives. They don’t really have that luxury now,” said Ray Valdes, an analyst at research firm Gartner, referring to Google.
Google+, now available for testing, is structured in remarkably similar fashion to Facebook, with profile pictures and newsfeeds forming a central core. However, a user’s friends or contacts are grouped into very specific circles of their choosing, versus the common pool of friends typical on Facebook. ( http://blogs.reuters.com/mediafile/2011/06/28/first-look-at-the-google-plus-social-network-the-top-secret-demo/ )
Enticing consumers to join another social networking service will not be easy, said Rory Maher, an analyst with Hudson Square Research.
“They’re going to have an uphill battle due to Facebook’s network effects,” said Maher, citing the 700 million users that some research firms say are currently on Facebook’s service.