Googl-y

• Google and Sun team up


• Google bidding to provide free Internet access in San Francisco


• that Google has been making plans of buying unused fiber optic cables all over USA


• Google recently bought an undisclosed stake in a Maryland startup, the Current Communications Group, which is trying to provide high-speed connections through power lines.


• Google launched an effort to create digital libraries


• Google unveils Instant Messenger cum Internet Telephony software


• Google confirms development of online payment system

And finally,

• The company has nearly $7.1 billion in cash, having just raised $4.17 billion in stock offering completed last month. That stock sale prompted several industry analysts to conclude Google might be preparing to build its own high-speed Internet network.

So, what is Google up to? It is spreading its arms and legs in a lot of directions. In fact, most of them are uncharted territories, where Google hopes to gain ground before anyone else does.

With all these new initiatives and a plan to build a million square feet complex a few miles from its existing headquarters, and plans to avail the services of NASA scientists, Google may be in the right position to challenge Microsoft as the dominant player in the PC market.

Its objectives though, remain obscure. Its not clear whether it is simply exploring different market segments, or is it pursuing a grand vision that no one outside the company knows.

Quote from a recent news article:
“Skeptics argue that Google could become the 21st century Icarus… a high flying company, brought down by its own weight.”

Google is ultimately, one the few companies with the potential and resources to dethrone Microsoft from its place. With Sun, it has already agreed to bolster the relations. And the potential of OpenOffice cannot be overestimated. In the search engine wars, it was already the king, and now it must be looking at content distribution services as well… on the lines of MSNBC or even an online music store like iTunes.

Its going to be an interesting ride for this 7-year-old startup worth an estimated $80 billion.

Following your dreams

Two books have lately been a rage on the Best-seller lists across the world. “The monk who sold his Ferrari” and “the Alchemist”. Both are about living out one’s dreams… steering one’s life towards his of her desires, his or her passions.

Both have been beautifully written, with the Alchemist being the more readable of the two, I think. The other one discusses ways to achieve a better life through techniques like meditation. But essentially, they both are about following one’s dreams.

Though I agree that this is a true way to live out one’s life happily and convert any ‘job’ into fun and play, the reality is few people are able to do it. Why, one is forced to ask. Why is it, that most people in the world do not follow their dreams and passions? Why do they take up jobs that they don’t really feel like doing, and do it just to earn money? Why is a job, just that… a job? Is money the all important thing in life? Can’t one make a livelihood by doing what he/she really likes?

The answers are a bit complicated. And so are the presumptions on which these questions are based. The society, traditions, beliefs and to some extent, rules and regulations are responsible for the zombie-like attitude of the majority of humans, which is, to follow what others are doing… to see and emulate… to take up jobs of doctors, engineers or whatever that can give them good money. And they live out their lives without fulfilling either their passions or following their dreams.

We should immediately subtract the vast number of poor people in the world from the group of people we think should be following their dreams. Barring a few who really do it, out sheer will power and strength of character, earning 2 meals a day is the primary concern for the rest. Survival, that is, is the primary concern for them. How then, can they be expected to follow their dreams, when they are not sure of their next meal?

The idea, therefore, of following one’s dreams is restricted to the rich and the affluent. Yes, to some extent, lack of resources is overcome by sheer willingness to do something, but in general, no, there isn’t a success-story for everyone.

Those who can follow their dreams, should bless their stars, that they are at least capable of doing so. All that is needed then, is the will, the passion and the dream.