Google Builds Support In Washington
The Washington Post has an article about Google’s increasing lobbying effort in Washington, saying they’ve learned from Microsoft’s past that ignoring the politicians doesn’t mean the politicians ignore you. They say Google is hiring lobbyists and building a presence in the nation’s capitol, as well as trying to develop grass-roots support (like with the new Public Policy blog).
So far, the biggest thing Google’s been doing is trying to get antitrust regulators to demand Microsoft change Windows Vista with regard to desktop search, and even though Microsoft gave in and announced changes to Vista, they’re still pushing hard for more concessions. Google’s fighting hard, maybe a little too hard, as politics is as much about compromise as it is about winning. You don’t want to get known as a bully, because that sends them after you as well.
Google isn’t as loved as it thinks it is, something companies learn in very harsh ways. Hell, Apple is far more loved than Google, and it still can’t escape federal investigations. There are several ways Google could wind up in trouble with the government, and they might want to be more concerned with protecting themselves than attacking their enemies.
[…] InformationWeek is talking about Microsoft’s giving in to Google’s plea to the Justice Department and analysts who say Microsoft is now being hindered and its ability to innovate will suffer. Microsoft gave in due to fear of endless litigation, not because it was wrong (and despite that, Google is still demanding more), and that means Microsoft is now no longer able to produce the best product it can because of this fear. […]
Pingback by » Microsoft Is Held To A Different Standard » InsideMicrosoft - part of the Blog News Channel | June 25, 2007
What are you basing your statement on that going after MS is the biggest thing google has done in Washington. If I understand what you are saying, more accurately, it is getting alot more press, and it is more controversial than the other things google has done since they have been in Washington. I don’t think it is the biggest though by Google’s or the Washington’s measure.
Comment by or | June 25, 2007
Basically, Google’s lobbyists have done two major things before the federal government: Fighting Microsoft on Vista search, and net neutrality. I’d argue that the Vista search battle is being fought far more enthusiastically than the net neutrality one, which is unfortunate in and of itself.
Comment by Nathan Weinberg | June 25, 2007