Google Power

In December 2008 it is alleged that Google, the super power in search engine retrieval was up to something which could either be seen as fundamentally good for everyone or trying to further dominate in a very lucrative industry (selling targeted adverts).

Google always lobbies quite publically for neutrality in regards to web traffic and how it is handled with no website being treated differently than any other. However, it has been suggested that Google may have approached a major cable and phone company to create a super fast lane into which Googles own content will be delivered. Therefore, websites like YouTube would be super fast. This practise is called 'edge caching' and encourages ISP's to install additional servers on their networks to deliver high speed traffic. Any company can do this and it is not exclusive. However, not many companies can afford or wield as much power to be able to do so. Having competitors in business is important to keep the other companies 'on their toes'

So, is it for the greater good of everybody or for Google themselves? Is it both?

Whatever the answer to the question it certainly goes against the Google ideology of 'neutrality of traffic' and will mean that Google Maps will run faster than Windows Live Maps and Picasa will be faster than Flickr.

Many people are in favour of edge caching as it speeds up the internet in general but i will stay wary.

I am reminded of the old saying 'Power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely'. (quote source)