Google is an example of a company that has quickly emerged as a market leader in “information” access, distribution and online advertising. Have you ever wondered how Google can afford to build, staff and operate Best of Breed data centers that enable near immediate access to a world of information, with an “intuitive” capability that adapts to the search interests of a user? Here is your opportunity to answer these question, and more.

Read the Google business case in the text, and watch the Google video: http://www.viddler.com/embed/bf7fc9fa. Provide comprehensive responses to the following questions: 

• Research “Google” using Google, and describe the first two (non-Google, non-Wiki, non Facebook) “website hits” that appear. How did these two “hits” make it to the “first displayed” positions in a Google search? 

• Explain Google’s AdWord and AdSense services and describe how each benefits a firm considering online advertising with Google. What are the differences in the two services?

• Do you think that Google is financially successful in their online advertising business model? Explain why or why not.

• What other areas of growth are likely to be pursued by Google in the future?