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'''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.
'Google''' is an American multinational technology company specializing in [[Internet]]-related services and products, including online advertising technologies, search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware. It is considered one of the most influential companies in the technology sector and is a subsidiary of [[Alphabet Inc.]], its parent company since 2015. Google's mission statement is "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.


== History ==
== History ==
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.
Google was founded in September 1998 by [[Larry Page]] and [[Sergey Brin]] while they were Ph.D. students at [[Stanford University]]. The company's origins trace back to their research project on a search engine algorithm called [[PageRank]], which analyzed the relationships between websites to determine their importance. Initially named "BackRub," the project was later renamed "Google," a play on the mathematical term "[[googol]]" (the number 1 followed by 100 zeros), reflecting the founders' ambition to organize vast amounts of information on the web.


=== Early Growth (1998–2004) ===
=== Early Growth ===
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.
Google's first office was a rented garage in [[Menlo Park, California]]. In 1999, the company moved to [[Mountain View, California]], where it established its headquarters, later known as the [[Googleplex]]. The company quickly gained traction due to its superior search algorithm and minimalist user interface. By 2000, Google had become the world's largest search engine, handling more than one billion searches per day.


=== IPO and Expansion (2004–2010) ===
=== Expansion and Diversification ===
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]].
Throughout the 2000s, Google expanded its product lineup beyond search. Key milestones included:
* The launch of [[Google AdWords]] (now [[Google Ads]]) in 2000, introducing a pay-per-click advertising model.
* The introduction of [[Gmail]] in 2004, offering unprecedented storage capacity for email.
* The acquisition of [[YouTube]] in 2006, solidifying Google's presence in online video.
* The release of the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] mobile OS in 2008, which later became the dominant smartphone platform globally.


=== Alphabet Inc. and Modern Era (2015–Present) ===
=== Formation of Alphabet Inc. ===
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).
In 2015, Google underwent a major corporate restructuring, forming [[Alphabet Inc.]] as its parent company. This reorganization separated Google's core businesses (such as search, advertising, and YouTube) from its more experimental ventures (like [[Waymo]] and [[Verily]]). [[Sundar Pichai]] became the CEO of Google, while Larry Page and Sergey Brin assumed leadership roles at Alphabet.


== Products and Services ==
== Products and Services ==
Google offers a wide range of products and services, many of which are free to users and supported by advertising revenue.
Google offers a wide range of products and services, spanning multiple industries. Below are some of its most notable offerings:


=== Search Engine ===
=== Search Engine ===
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's flagship product is its [[web search engine]], which processes over 5.6 billion searches per day (as of 2023). The search engine employs advanced algorithms, including [[machine learning]] and [[natural language processing]], to deliver relevant results.


=== Advertising ===
=== 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.
Google's primary revenue source is its advertising platform, [[Google Ads]]. The company also operates [[Google AdSense]], allowing publishers to monetize their websites through targeted ads. Google's dominance in digital advertising has made it one of the most profitable companies in the world.


=== Cloud Computing ===
=== Cloud Computing ===
[[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 Cloud Platform]] (GCP) provides cloud infrastructure, data analytics, and AI services to businesses. Competing with [[Amazon Web Services]] (AWS) and [[Microsoft Azure]], GCP offers tools like [[Google Workspace]] (formerly G Suite) for productivity and collaboration.


=== Hardware ===
=== Hardware ===
Google manufactures hardware products such as:
Google has ventured into hardware with products such as:
* [[Pixel (smartphone)|Pixel smartphones]]
* [[Pixel (smartphone)|Pixel]] smartphones
* [[Google Nest|Nest smart home devices]]
* [[Google Nest]] smart home devices
* [[Chromecast]] streaming devices
* [[Chromecast]] streaming devices
* [[Google Pixelbook|Pixelbook laptops]]
* [[Google Pixelbook]] laptops


=== Software ===
=== Software ===
Google develops several widely used software applications, including:
Key software products include:
* [[Google Chrome]] (web browser)
* [[Google Chrome]] (the world's most popular web browser)
* [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (mobile OS)
* [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (the leading mobile OS)
* [[Google Workspace]] (productivity suite)
* [[Google Drive]] (cloud storage and file synchronization)
 
=== Artificial Intelligence ===
Google is a leader in [[artificial intelligence]] (AI), with projects like:
* [[Google Assistant]] (a voice-activated AI assistant)
* [[DeepMind]] (an AI research lab acquired in 2014)
* [[TensorFlow]] (an open-source machine learning framework)


== Business Model ==
== Business Model ==
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]].
Google's business model revolves primarily around advertising, which accounts for over 80% of its revenue. The company also generates income through cloud services, hardware sales, and software subscriptions. Key aspects of its business strategy include:
 
* '''Advertising Dominance''': Google's search and display ads leverage user data to deliver highly targeted advertisements.
=== Advertising ===
* '''Freemium Services''': Many Google products (e.g., Gmail, Google Drive) are free for basic use, with premium tiers offering additional features.
Google's advertising model relies on:
* '''Open-Source Contributions''': Google supports open-source projects like Android and TensorFlow to foster developer ecosystems.
* [[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 significant criticism over privacy, antitrust issues, and labor practices.
Google has faced scrutiny over various issues, including:


=== Privacy Concerns ===
=== Privacy Concerns ===
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).
Critics argue that Google collects excessive user data, raising concerns about surveillance and data misuse. High-profile cases include:
* The [[Google Street View privacy concerns|Street View Wi-Fi scandal]] (2010), where Google inadvertently collected personal data from unsecured networks.
* Fines from the [[European Union]] under the [[General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR) for insufficient transparency in data practices.


=== Antitrust Issues ===
=== Antitrust Issues ===
Google has been accused of monopolistic practices, particularly in:
Google has been accused of anti-competitive behavior, particularly in:
* Search engine dominance (e.g., favoring its own services in results)
* Search engine dominance (favoring its own services in search results)
* Android licensing restrictions (e.g., requiring pre-installed Google apps)
* Android licensing practices (allegedly forcing manufacturers to pre-install Google apps)
* Digital advertising monopolization (facing lawsuits from the [[U.S. Department of Justice]])


=== Labor and Ethics ===
=== Labor and Workplace Culture ===
Google has faced backlash over:
Google has faced internal disputes over:
* Employee protests against military contracts (e.g., [[Project Maven]])
* Employee protests against military contracts (e.g., [[Project Maven]])
* Allegations of workplace discrimination and union-busting
* Allegations of workplace discrimination and retaliation
* Controversial dismissals of AI ethics researchers (e.g., [[Timnit Gebru]])


== Global Presence ==
== Global Presence ==
Google operates in over 50 countries, with major offices in:
Google operates in nearly every country, with significant offices in:
* [[Mountain View, California]] (headquarters)
* [[United States]] (Headquarters in Mountain View, California)
* [[Dublin, Ireland]] (European headquarters)
* [[European Union]] (Dublin, Ireland, serves as its European HQ)
* [[Bangalore, India]] (large engineering hub)
* [[Asia-Pacific]] (Major offices in Singapore, Tokyo, and Bengaluru)
* [[Latin America]] (São Paulo, Brazil, as a key regional hub)


=== Data Centers ===
The company employs over 150,000 people worldwide (as of 2023) and supports numerous local initiatives, such as digital literacy programs and startup incubators.
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.
Google has profoundly shaped the internet and modern technology through:
 
* '''Search Revolution''': Making information universally accessible.
=== Technological Innovations ===
* '''Mobile Computing''': Android powers over 70% of smartphones globally.
Key innovations include:
* '''Open Standards''': Promoting open web technologies like [[HTTP/2]] and [[WebP]].
* [[MapReduce]] (a programming model for big data)
* '''AI Advancements''': Pioneering breakthroughs in machine learning and natural language processing.
* [[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 algorithm]]
* [[Criticism of Google]]
* [[Criticism of Google]]
* [[Google LLC v. Oracle America, Inc.]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
<references />
 
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Google, covering its history, products, business model, controversies, and global influence. The structure adheres to Wikipedia's encyclopedic style while maintaining readability for a general audience. Additional subsections or tables could be added for further detail (e.g., financial performance, acquisitions timeline).


[[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:Alphabet Inc.]]
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