Sergey Brin (Google Co-founder) – Web 2.0 Summit (Sep 2009)

Chapters

Abstract

Sergey Brin’s Vision: Navigating Google’s Future Amidst Technological Evolution and Market Dynamics

In a comprehensive discussion, Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, delves into the intricacies of evolving market dynamics, the future of advertising, and the technological advancements shaping Google’s strategies. From his personal take on the internet industry’s shoe lore to addressing critical questions about Google’s innovation in search, Brin provides insightful perspectives. During the interview, Brin briefly discussed his fashion choice, explaining that he wore comfortable shoes due to a sprained ankle. This minor incident, captured and shared on social media, exemplifies the lighthearted moments in the internet industry. His thoughts on the potential of premium display advertising, Google’s approach to the shifting attention economy, and the company’s response to competition in the search market, particularly regarding the Microsoft-Yahoo deal, offer a rare glimpse into Google’s strategic thinking. Furthermore, Brin’s excitement for hardware advancements and Google’s utilization of advanced technology underline his commitment to innovation. Amidst criticism from the media industry, Brin defends Google’s business models and its role in supporting traditional institutions, highlighting Google’s efforts in projects like Chrome for Mac and Google Book Search.

Segment Summaries and Expansion:

1. Google and the Internet Shoe Lore:

Brin’s sprained ankle and choice of comfortable shoes, mistakenly shared on Twitter as Steve Ballmer’s, epitomize the lighthearted moments in the internet industry.

2. Admiration for Tim Armstrong:

Brin’s respect for Tim Armstrong, the former senator from Virginia and current CEO of AOL, reflects Google’s recognition of significant contributions within the tech community. He occasionally sees Armstrong to discuss various matters.

3. Google’s Stance on Twitter’s Success:

Brin expressed excitement about Evan Williams’ success with Twitter, having worked with him during his time at Blogger. He emphasized the impact that entrepreneurs can make and appreciated the growing alumni community in the tech industry. Google did not attempt to acquire Twitter, although various opportunities are considered when companies approach them.

4. Response to the Attention Economy:

Challenging the notion that Google monopolizes the attention economy, Brin’s emphasis on directing users to various websites reinforces Google’s philosophy of being an information connector, not a dominator. Google’s philosophy of sending users to other websites, contributing to the growth of the web, refutes the notion of dominance in the attention economy. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have also contributed to the growth of the referral economy.

5. Advertising and Innovation Perspectives:

Brin believes that Google’s decision to focus on search advertising, initially a low-revenue area, was a wise move that led to the development of AdWords and a lucrative revenue stream. He emphasizes the difficulty in predicting which advertising areas will become valuable, but he believes the internet as an advertising platform is very efficient and likely to experience growth. Google’s success in various ventures like mobile and advertising ecosystems while managing search is compared to a baseball player aiming for a batting average higher than 350 out of 1,000. Personal experiences with inadequate email solutions and closed mobile platforms motivated the creation of Gmail and Android. Google’s involvement in hardware design, such as the G1 phone, demonstrates its commitment to integrating software with hardware.

6. Android and Hardware Integration:

Brin acknowledges Google’s involvement in hardware design, such as the G1 phone, but leaves specific questions to Andy Rubin, head of the Android division.

7. Search Market Competition:

Brin acknowledges Bing’s contribution to the competitive search market, prompting Google to acknowledge other search engines and appreciate the interesting features they offer. Yahoo’s decision to withdraw from the search market disappointed Brin, considering their interesting work in the area. Brin refrains from commenting on the proposed Microsoft-Yahoo deal due to limited knowledge and Carol Bartz’s (Yahoo CEO) absence.

8. Microsoft-Yahoo Deal and Innovation in Search:

Brin refrains from commenting on the proposed Microsoft-Yahoo deal due to limited knowledge and Carol Bartz’s (Yahoo CEO) absence.

9. Excitement for Hardware Developments:

Brin expressed excitement about the advancements in hardware, particularly the ongoing improvement in processor power, storage capacity, and fiber optics. He highlights the incredible value and affordability of technology, such as 8-core processors and 2 terabyte hard drives available at reasonable prices. Google leverages these technological advancements to provide powerful products and services, including free email and Google Book Search.

10. Leveraging Advanced Technology in Google’s Products:

Highlighting the use of advanced technology in Google’s projects, like the massive email handling and Google Book Search, Brin showcases the company’s commitment to harnessing technological advancements for enhancing user experiences.

11. Addressing Media Industry Complaints:

Responding to the media industry’s concerns, represented by Curly at the AP and Rupert Murdoch, who accuse search engines of taking their brand and disassociating it from content, Brin acknowledges the complaints and expresses a willingness to collaborate with content providers. Google’s efforts in projects like Chrome for Mac and Google Book Search highlight its commitment to balancing innovation with content creator relationships.

Google’s Evolving Role and the Pain of Traditional Media:

– Sergey Brin responds to the notion that Google is causing the decline of traditional media.

– He acknowledges the business model shifts in the media landscape and expresses empathy for the struggles faced by newspapers and publishers.

– Brin emphasizes the importance of sustainable institutions in journalism.

Chrome for Mac:

– Brin addresses the delayed release of Chrome for Mac.

– He acknowledges the timing issue as a disappointment.

– He encourages users to try the beta version despite its instability, as it improves daily.

Google Editions and Digitizing Books:

– Brin expresses surprise at the controversy surrounding Google Book Search and Google Editions.

– He highlights the significance of digitizing books for accessibility and preservation.

– Brin acknowledges technical challenges and legal disputes but remains optimistic about the initiative.

– He emphasizes the importance of compensating authors and publishers for their work while providing access to millions of books that would otherwise be lost.

12. Chrome for Mac and Google Book Search:

Discussing Chrome for Mac and Google Book Search, Brin highlights Google’s ongoing efforts in digitization and accessibility, emphasizing the importance of both technological advancement and content preservation.



In summary, Sergey Brin’s multifaceted discussion reveals his deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Google and the broader tech industry. His balanced view on advertising, competition, and technology’s role in shaping the future of search, coupled with a commitment to preserving traditional media institutions, paint a picture of a leader navigating a complex and ever-changing landscape with a clear vision for innovation and sustainability.

Notes by: Random Access