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'''Google''' is an American multinational | {{Infobox company | ||
| name = Google LLC | |||
| logo = [[File:Google logo.png|200px]] | |||
| caption = Google's logo since 2015 | |||
| type = [[Subsidiary]] | |||
| foundation = {{start date and age|1998|09|04}} | |||
| founders = [[Larry Page]] and [[Sergey Brin]] | |||
| location = [[Mountain View, California]], U.S. | |||
| industry = [[Internet]], [[Cloud computing]], [[Artificial intelligence]], [[Advertising]] | |||
| products = [[Google Search]], [[Google Chrome]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Google Cloud]], [[YouTube]], [[Google Ads]], [[Google Maps]], [[Gmail]] | |||
| revenue = {{US$|279.8 billion}} (2023) | |||
| num_employees = 190,234 (2023) | |||
| parent = [[Alphabet Inc.]] | |||
| website = {{URL|https://www.google.com}} | |||
}} | |||
'''Google LLC''' is an American [[multinational corporation]] specializing in [[Internet]]-related services and products, including [[online advertising]], [[search engine]] technology, [[cloud computing]], [[software]], and [[hardware]]. Founded in 1998 by [[Larry Page]] and [[Sergey Brin]] while they were [[Ph.D.]] students at [[Stanford University]], Google has grown to become one of the most influential technology companies in the world. It is a subsidiary of [[Alphabet Inc.]], which was created in 2015 to serve as Google's parent company. Google's headquarters, known as the [[Googleplex]], is located in [[Mountain View, California]]. | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
Google | === Founding and early years === | ||
Google was founded on September 4, 1998, by [[Larry Page]] and [[Sergey Brin]], who developed a [[search algorithm]] called [[PageRank]] while studying at [[Stanford University]]. The algorithm analyzed the relationships between websites to determine their relevance, a significant improvement over existing search engines at the time. Initially named "BackRub," the project was later renamed "Google," a play on the word "[[googol]]" (the number 1 followed by 100 zeros), reflecting the company's mission to organize the world's information. | |||
Google's first office was a rented garage in [[Menlo Park, California]], owned by [[Susan Wojcicki]], who later became the CEO of [[YouTube]]. The company received its first major funding of $100,000 from [[Andy Bechtolsheim]], co-founder of [[Sun Microsystems]]. | |||
Google | |||
=== | === Growth and expansion === | ||
Google | In 2000, Google launched [[Google AdWords]] (now [[Google Ads]]), an advertising platform that allowed businesses to display ads alongside search results. This became a major revenue source. The same year, Google introduced the [[Google Toolbar]], which integrated its search engine into [[web browsers]]. | ||
Google expanded rapidly in the early 2000s, acquiring companies like [[Deja News]] (which led to the creation of [[Google Groups]]) and launching new products such as [[Google Images]] (2001) and [[Google News]] (2002). In 2004, Google held its [[initial public offering]] (IPO), raising $1.67 billion and valuing the company at $23 billion. | |||
Google | |||
=== | === Alphabet Inc. and restructuring === | ||
In 2015, Google underwent a major restructuring, creating [[Alphabet Inc.]] as its parent company. This move allowed Google to focus on its core businesses (search, advertising, and consumer products) while other ventures (such as [[Waymo]], [[Verily]], and [[DeepMind]]) operated as separate subsidiaries under Alphabet. | |||
== | == Products and services == | ||
Google offers a wide range of products and services, including: | |||
=== | === Search and advertising === | ||
* ' | * [[Google Search]] – The company's flagship product, handling billions of queries daily. | ||
* | * [[Google Ads]] – An online advertising platform that generates most of Google's revenue. | ||
* | * [[Google AdSense]] – A program allowing publishers to display targeted ads on their websites. | ||
=== Cloud computing === | |||
* [[Google Cloud]] – A suite of cloud computing services, including [[Google Cloud Platform]] (GCP) and [[Google Workspace]] (formerly G Suite). | |||
* [[Google Drive]] – A file storage and synchronization service. | |||
=== Software === | === Software === | ||
* | * [[Android (operating system)|Android]] – The world's most popular [[mobile operating system]]. | ||
* | * [[Google Chrome]] – A leading [[web browser]] and the foundation of [[ChromeOS]]. | ||
* | * [[Gmail]] – A free email service with over 1.5 billion users. | ||
* [[Google Maps]] – A web mapping and navigation platform. | |||
=== Hardware === | |||
* [[Pixel (smartphone)|Pixel]] – A line of smartphones and tablets. | |||
* [[Google Nest]] – Smart home devices, including thermostats and speakers. | |||
* [[Chromecast]] – A media streaming device. | |||
== | === Other services === | ||
* [[YouTube]] – Acquired in 2006, it is the largest video-sharing platform globally. | |||
* | * [[Google Play]] – A digital distribution service for apps, books, and media. | ||
* [[Google Assistant]] – A virtual assistant powered by [[artificial intelligence]]. | |||
* | |||
== | == Corporate structure and culture == | ||
Google | Google operates under [[Alphabet Inc.]], with [[Sundar Pichai]] serving as CEO since 2015. The company is known for its unique corporate culture, emphasizing innovation, employee perks, and a relaxed work environment. Google's offices feature amenities such as free meals, fitness centers, and recreational spaces. | ||
The company's motto, "[[Don't be evil]]" (later revised to "Do the right thing"), reflected its early commitment to ethical business practices. However, this has been a subject of controversy as Google has faced scrutiny over privacy, antitrust, and labor issues. | |||
Google has faced | |||
== | == Criticism and controversies == | ||
Google has faced numerous criticisms, including: | |||
=== | === Privacy concerns === | ||
Google has been accused of | Google has been accused of collecting excessive user data through its services. In 2019, the company was fined €50 million by France's data protection authority for violating the [[General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR). | ||
=== | === Antitrust issues === | ||
Google has | Google has faced multiple [[antitrust]] investigations, particularly regarding its dominance in search and advertising. In 2020, the [[U.S. Department of Justice]] filed a lawsuit accusing Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in search. | ||
== | === Labor and ethics === | ||
Google | Google has been criticized for its handling of employee protests, including the 2018 walkout over sexual harassment policies. The company has also faced backlash over its work with the U.S. military ([[Project Maven]]) and its operations in China ([[Project Dragonfly]]). | ||
== Influence and impact == | |||
Google has profoundly shaped the internet and modern technology. Its search engine revolutionized information access, while products like [[Android]] and [[YouTube]] have become integral to daily life. Google's innovations in [[machine learning]] and [[artificial intelligence]] (e.g., [[Google DeepMind|DeepMind]]'s [[AlphaFold]]) have advanced scientific research. | |||
The company's advertising model has transformed digital marketing, and its open-source projects (e.g., [[Chromium (web browser)|Chromium]], [[TensorFlow]]) have fostered global collaboration in software development. | |||
== See | == See also == | ||
* [[Alphabet Inc.]] | * [[Alphabet Inc.]] | ||
* [[History of Google]] | * [[History of Google]] | ||
* [[List of Google products]] | * [[List of Google products]] | ||
* [[Google | * [[Google Doodle]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Google X]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{Reflist|30em}} | |||
== External links == | |||
* {{Official website|https://www.google.com}} | |||
* [https://about.google/ Google About] | |||
* [https://abc.xyz/ Alphabet Inc.] | |||
[[Category:Internet companies | [[Category:Internet companies]] | ||
[[Category:Technology companies | [[Category:Technology companies]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Search engines]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:04, 6 July 2025
Google LLC is an American multinational corporation specializing in Internet-related services and products, including online advertising, search engine technology, cloud computing, software, and hardware. Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were Ph.D. students at Stanford University, Google has grown to become one of the most influential technology companies in the world. It is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., which was created in 2015 to serve as Google's parent company. Google's headquarters, known as the Googleplex, is located in Mountain View, California.
History
Founding and early years
Google was founded on September 4, 1998, by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who developed a search algorithm called PageRank while studying at Stanford University. The algorithm analyzed the relationships between websites to determine their relevance, a significant improvement over existing search engines at the time. Initially named "BackRub," the project was later renamed "Google," a play on the word "googol" (the number 1 followed by 100 zeros), reflecting the company's mission to organize the world's information.
Google's first office was a rented garage in Menlo Park, California, owned by Susan Wojcicki, who later became the CEO of YouTube. The company received its first major funding of $100,000 from Andy Bechtolsheim, co-founder of Sun Microsystems.
Growth and expansion
In 2000, Google launched Google AdWords (now Google Ads), an advertising platform that allowed businesses to display ads alongside search results. This became a major revenue source. The same year, Google introduced the Google Toolbar, which integrated its search engine into web browsers.
Google expanded rapidly in the early 2000s, acquiring companies like Deja News (which led to the creation of Google Groups) and launching new products such as Google Images (2001) and Google News (2002). In 2004, Google held its initial public offering (IPO), raising $1.67 billion and valuing the company at $23 billion.
Alphabet Inc. and restructuring
In 2015, Google underwent a major restructuring, creating Alphabet Inc. as its parent company. This move allowed Google to focus on its core businesses (search, advertising, and consumer products) while other ventures (such as Waymo, Verily, and DeepMind) operated as separate subsidiaries under Alphabet.
Products and services
Google offers a wide range of products and services, including:
Search and advertising
- Google Search – The company's flagship product, handling billions of queries daily.
- Google Ads – An online advertising platform that generates most of Google's revenue.
- Google AdSense – A program allowing publishers to display targeted ads on their websites.
Cloud computing
- Google Cloud – A suite of cloud computing services, including Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite).
- Google Drive – A file storage and synchronization service.
Software
- Android – The world's most popular mobile operating system.
- Google Chrome – A leading web browser and the foundation of ChromeOS.
- Gmail – A free email service with over 1.5 billion users.
- Google Maps – A web mapping and navigation platform.
Hardware
- Pixel – A line of smartphones and tablets.
- Google Nest – Smart home devices, including thermostats and speakers.
- Chromecast – A media streaming device.
Other services
- YouTube – Acquired in 2006, it is the largest video-sharing platform globally.
- Google Play – A digital distribution service for apps, books, and media.
- Google Assistant – A virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence.
Corporate structure and culture
Google operates under Alphabet Inc., with Sundar Pichai serving as CEO since 2015. The company is known for its unique corporate culture, emphasizing innovation, employee perks, and a relaxed work environment. Google's offices feature amenities such as free meals, fitness centers, and recreational spaces.
The company's motto, "Don't be evil" (later revised to "Do the right thing"), reflected its early commitment to ethical business practices. However, this has been a subject of controversy as Google has faced scrutiny over privacy, antitrust, and labor issues.
Criticism and controversies
Google has faced numerous criticisms, including:
Privacy concerns
Google has been accused of collecting excessive user data through its services. In 2019, the company was fined €50 million by France's data protection authority for violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Antitrust issues
Google has faced multiple antitrust investigations, particularly regarding its dominance in search and advertising. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit accusing Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in search.
Labor and ethics
Google has been criticized for its handling of employee protests, including the 2018 walkout over sexual harassment policies. The company has also faced backlash over its work with the U.S. military (Project Maven) and its operations in China (Project Dragonfly).
Influence and impact
Google has profoundly shaped the internet and modern technology. Its search engine revolutionized information access, while products like Android and YouTube have become integral to daily life. Google's innovations in machine learning and artificial intelligence (e.g., DeepMind's AlphaFold) have advanced scientific research.
The company's advertising model has transformed digital marketing, and its open-source projects (e.g., Chromium, TensorFlow) have fostered global collaboration in software development.