Google's Telephony Plans
by
Mark Evans
on Sun 06 Feb 2005 08:15 AM EST |
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I had an interesting conversation with a smart guy from Cisco recently about IP-based services. He suggests Google could easily move into the telephony market by enhancing its desktop software product. The idea is you offer users an upgrade that features a Skype-like component, and you're off to the races.
If Google is considering this idea, I wonder whether it would charge for the service or offer it for free with a premium option. If it offered the service for free, the "business plan" may offering AdSense opportunities on a VOIP portal while trying to drive traffic to other Google sites. Personally, I can't see why Google can't be as disruptive as it wants. With a solid and lucrative business foundation, it has the luxury of throwing ideas at the wall to see what sticks.