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'''Google''' is an American multinational technology company specializing in Internet-related services and products. 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 companies in the world. Its primary offerings include [[Google Search|search engine technology]], [[Google Cloud|cloud computing]], [[Google Ads|advertising technologies]], and a wide range of software and hardware products. Google is a subsidiary of [[Alphabet Inc.]], its parent company since 2015.
'''Google''' is a multinational technology company 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 companies in the world. It is a subsidiary of [[Alphabet Inc.]], its parent company since 2015.


== History ==
== History ==
Google's origins trace back to 1996 when Larry Page and Sergey Brin collaborated on a research project called "BackRub," a search engine that analyzed the relationships between websites using [[PageRank]], an algorithm that ranked pages based on their inbound links. The domain name "google.com" was registered on September 15, 1997, and the company was officially incorporated on September 4, 1998, in a garage in [[Menlo Park, California]].
Google's origins trace back to a research project by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1996. Initially named "BackRub," the project aimed to develop a more effective way to rank web pages by analyzing backlinks. By 1998, the duo had refined their algorithm, which they renamed "PageRank," and incorporated Google as a private company on September 4, 1998.


=== Early Growth ===
=== Early Growth (1998–2004) ===
Google quickly gained popularity due to its simple interface and superior search results. In 2000, Google introduced [[Google AdWords]] (now Google Ads), an advertising platform that became a major revenue driver. The company also launched its [[Google Toolbar]] and expanded its indexing capabilities.
Google's first office was a rented garage in [[Menlo Park, California]]. The company quickly gained attention for its minimalist design and superior search results compared to competitors like [[Yahoo!]] and [[AltaVista]]. In 2000, Google launched [[Google AdWords]], an advertising platform that would later become its primary revenue source.


=== IPO and Expansion ===
=== IPO and Expansion (2004–2010) ===
Google went public on August 19, 2004, through an [[initial public offering]] (IPO) that raised $1.67 billion. The company expanded its product portfolio with acquisitions such as [[YouTube]] (2006), [[Android (operating system)|Android Inc.]] (2005), and [[DoubleClick]] (2007). In 2015, Google reorganized under [[Alphabet Inc.]], with Google becoming its largest subsidiary.
Google went public on August 19, 2004, with an initial public offering (IPO) that raised $1.67 billion. The company expanded rapidly, acquiring [[YouTube]] in 2006 and launching the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] mobile operating system in 2008. By 2010, Google had become a dominant force in Internet services, with products like [[Google Maps]], [[Google Docs]], and [[Google Chrome]].
 
=== Alphabet Inc. and Modern Era (2015–Present) ===
In 2015, Google underwent a major restructuring, forming [[Alphabet Inc.]] as its parent company to better manage its diverse ventures. Under Alphabet, Google continues to focus on core services while other subsidiaries handle projects like [[Waymo]] (self-driving cars) and [[Verily]] (life sciences).


== Products and Services ==
== Products and Services ==
Google offers a vast array of products and services, many of which are free to use, supported by advertising revenue.
Google offers a wide range of products and services, many of which are free to users and supported by advertising revenue.


=== Search and Advertising ===
=== Search Engine ===
* '''[[Google Search]]''': The dominant search engine globally, handling billions of queries daily.
Google's flagship product is its [[search engine]], which processes over 3.5 billion searches per day. The search engine uses complex algorithms, including [[PageRank]], to deliver relevant results.
* '''[[Google Ads]]''': An online advertising platform allowing businesses to display ads on Google's network.
 
* '''[[Google AdSense]]''': A program enabling website owners to monetize their content through targeted ads.
=== Advertising ===
Google's advertising platforms, [[Google Ads]] and [[Google AdSense]], generate the majority of its revenue. These systems allow businesses to display targeted ads based on user behavior and search queries.


=== Cloud Computing ===
=== Cloud Computing ===
* '''[[Google Cloud Platform]] (GCP)''': A suite of cloud computing services including computing, storage, and machine learning tools.
[[Google Cloud Platform]] (GCP) provides cloud computing services, including infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS). GCP competes with [[Amazon Web Services]] (AWS) and [[Microsoft Azure]].
* '''[[Google Workspace]]''': A collection of productivity apps such as [[Gmail]], [[Google Docs]], and [[Google Drive]].


=== Hardware ===
=== Hardware ===
* '''[[Pixel (smartphone)|Pixel]]''': A line of smartphones developed by Google.
Google manufactures hardware products such as:
* '''[[Google Nest]]''': Smart home devices including speakers, thermostats, and security systems.
* [[Pixel (smartphone)|Pixel smartphones]]
* '''[[Chromecast]]''': A media streaming device.
* [[Google Nest|Nest smart home devices]]
* [[Chromecast]] streaming devices
* [[Google Pixelbook|Pixelbook laptops]]


=== Software ===
=== Software ===
* '''[[Android (operating system)|Android]]''': The world's most widely used mobile operating system.
Google develops several widely used software applications, including:
* '''[[Chrome (web browser)|Chrome]]''': A leading web browser and the foundation for [[ChromeOS]].
* [[Google Chrome]] (web browser)
* '''[[Google Assistant]]''': A virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence.
* [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (mobile OS)
* [[Google Workspace]] (productivity suite)


== Business Model ==
== Business Model ==
Google's primary revenue source is advertising, accounting for over 80% of its income. The company monetizes its free services by displaying targeted ads based on user data. Other revenue streams include:
Google's primary revenue source is advertising, which accounted for over 80% of its total revenue in 2022. The company also earns income from cloud services, hardware sales, and app purchases on the [[Google Play Store]].
* '''Cloud Services''': Enterprise solutions through Google Cloud.
* '''Hardware Sales''': Devices like Pixel phones and Nest products.
* '''Licensing''': Fees from Android partners and other software agreements.


=== Advertising Dominance ===
=== Advertising ===
Google's advertising ecosystem relies on its ability to collect and analyze vast amounts of user data. Its platforms, such as Google Ads and AdSense, enable businesses to reach highly specific audiences, making it the largest digital advertising company in the world.
Google's advertising model relies on:
* [[Pay-per-click]] (PPC) pricing
* Real-time bidding (RTB) through [[Google Ad Manager]]
* Data analytics to target ads effectively
 
=== Diversification ===
To reduce reliance on advertising, Google has invested in:
* [[Google Cloud]] enterprise solutions
* Subscription services like [[YouTube Premium]]
* AI and machine learning research


== Criticism and Controversies ==
== Criticism and Controversies ==
Google has faced numerous criticisms related to privacy, antitrust issues, and market dominance.
Google has faced significant criticism over privacy, antitrust issues, and labor practices.


=== Privacy Concerns ===
=== Privacy Concerns ===
Critics argue that Google collects excessive user data, raising concerns about surveillance and data security. The company has been fined multiple times under regulations like the [[General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR).
Critics argue that Google collects excessive user data through services like [[Google Analytics]] and [[Google Location History]]. The company has been fined multiple times under regulations like the [[General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR).


=== Antitrust Issues ===
=== Antitrust Issues ===
Google has been accused of anti-competitive practices, including favoring its own services in search results and imposing restrictive contracts on Android manufacturers. In 2020, the [[U.S. Department of Justice]] filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google.
Google has been accused of monopolistic practices, particularly in:
* Search engine dominance (e.g., favoring its own services in results)
* Android licensing restrictions (e.g., requiring pre-installed Google apps)


=== Censorship and Ethics ===
=== Labor and Ethics ===
Google has been criticized for complying with censorship requests in countries like [[China]] and for its handling of controversial content on platforms like YouTube.
Google has faced backlash over:
* Employee protests against military contracts (e.g., [[Project Maven]])
* Allegations of workplace discrimination and union-busting


== Global Presence ==
== Global Presence ==
Google operates in over 50 countries, with major offices in:
Google operates in over 50 countries, with major offices in:
* '''United States''': Headquarters in [[Mountain View, California]] ([[Googleplex]]).
* [[Mountain View, California]] (headquarters)
* '''Europe''': Large offices in [[Dublin]], [[London]], and [[Zurich]].
* [[Dublin, Ireland]] (European headquarters)
* '''Asia''': Key hubs in [[Singapore]], [[Tokyo]], and [[Bangalore]].
* [[Bangalore, India]] (large engineering hub)


The company employs over 150,000 people worldwide and supports numerous local initiatives through [[Google.org]], its philanthropic arm.
=== Data Centers ===
Google maintains a global network of [[data centers]] to support its services. These facilities are designed for energy efficiency and run on renewable energy where possible.


== Influence and Impact ==
== Influence and Impact ==
Google has profoundly shaped the internet and modern technology. Its innovations in search, advertising, and artificial intelligence have set industry standards. Key contributions include:
Google has profoundly shaped the Internet and modern technology.
* '''Open-Source Projects''': Such as [[TensorFlow]] and [[Kubernetes]].
 
* '''Research and Development''': Pioneering work in [[quantum computing]] and [[self-driving cars]] ([[Waymo]]).
=== Technological Innovations ===
* '''Digital Transformation''': Enabling businesses and individuals to leverage cloud computing and AI.
Key innovations include:
* [[MapReduce]] (a programming model for big data)
* [[TensorFlow]] (an open-source machine learning framework)
* [[Google Brain]] (AI research division)
 
=== Cultural Impact ===
Google's name has become synonymous with Internet search (e.g., "to google something"). The company's "[[Don't be evil]]" motto, though later deprecated, reflected its early ethos.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
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* [[History of Google]]
* [[History of Google]]
* [[List of Google products]]
* [[List of Google products]]
* [[Google Search algorithms]]
* [[Criticism of Google]]
* [[Criticism of Google]]
* [[Google LLC v. Oracle America, Inc.]]


== References ==
== References ==
<references>
{{Reflist|2}}
  <ref>{{cite web |title=Google Corporate Information |url=https://about.google/ |publisher=Google |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
  <ref>{{cite book |last=Levy |first=Steven |title=In the Plex: How Google Thinks, Works, and Shapes Our Lives |year=2011 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-1416596585}}</ref>
  <ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. sues Google for antitrust violations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/20/technology/google-antitrust-suit-doj.html |work=The New York Times |date=2020-10-20 |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
  <ref>{{cite web |title=Google fined €50 million by French data regulator |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/21/google-fined-57-million-by-french-data-regulator.html |publisher=CNBC |date=2019-01-21 |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
</references>


[[Category:Internet companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Internet companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Technology companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Technology companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Web search engines]]
[[Category:Web search engines]]
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