Does Google Gmail fear Facebook?
This week it was announced that Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook will be releasing a new messaging system. Not just the post-to-wall and face-chat I'm sure you're already using. This system will combine email, SMS, IM, Chat, and other forms of online communication...all in one box. Additionally an @facebook.com email addresses. (wooooo...I know you can't wait...).
"Starting from scratch" is what Mark Zuckerberg wants to do with todays' electronic communication. Today, consumers are practically living on facebook. They're uploading everything from the most insignificant blurb to some of their wildest fantasies, along with pictures, videos and contacts ect. New browsers like FLOCK.com are being launched to work entirely on the back of social networks like Facebook.
So the question is, should AOL, MYSPACE, YAHOO and GOOGLE be afraid?
The answer is...yes, yes, yes and no. I think the first three are already felling the pinch since Facebook arrived at the scene a couple years ago. Google, however, has already tried and failed with their own attempt at "reinventing personal email communication" with Google Wave. But they have a different business strategy than the other three which involves taking a very large market bite of Microsofts' ebusiness, among other things. Google has Google Apps going for it, which it has now expanded to include most of the company's products. This plays an important role in keeping businesses using Google and Gmail has always been a part of Google Apps.
Facebook is more consumer oriented and I don't think they'll be crossing into the business arena anytime soon. Mark Zuckerberg stated the company is all about consumers and focus is to be one of the most innovative companies on the planet. In the long run they will influence all types of applications for business which will ultimately converge to consumers.
It's no secret that businesses have been placing a great deal of emphasis on reaching Facebook users. I'm personally very interested in seeing the impact the new messaging system have on their marketing goals.Already I'm seeing businesses utilizing personal profiles to try and get into Facebook users' personal inbox. In the next 3 years I predict 30% of sales employees will be using social networks as a main business communication tool.
What do you think?