More Google Talk
Google has confirmed that it will launch Google Talk, a free Instant Messaging (IM) and PC-to-PC voice service that will augment its Internet search portal and email services. A beta trial service is currently available, requiring use of PC client software (from Google or a third party) and a Google Gmail account.
Mark Main, Senior Analyst, comments:
"Google is clearly out to exploit and grow its already very strong presence in the online services market. Starting with its web search, it has added newsgroup archiving, email, personal networking and now an IM chat/messaging and voice service. Equipped with a suitable handset or headset, the PC client allows a Google Talk user to call another Google Talk user - much like Skype-to-Skype calling.
Google Talk currently uses "a custom XMPP-based signalling protocol and peer-to-peer communication mechanism" and it intends to document this protocol in the course of time. The Jabber/XMPP protocol is one of several proposed methods for authentication, presence and messaging, and so Google Talk can interwork with other systems that use the same protocol. However, none of the major Internet-based IM/messaging systems such as AOL/AIM, Yahoo Messenger or MSN Messenger support interoperation, because it isn't in their interest to do so - they all want the largest number of users, and interoperability would simply lead to a high level of churn. Google, needing to work with smaller players and third-party developers to build from a zero IM user base, can take a more relaxed view on that - for now.
There is no support yet for Google Talk to PSTN calling, or vice-versa - so there's no competition as yet to the SkypeOut and SkypeIn services, but it is probably only a matter of time. Google Talk will support Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) "in a future release" - SIP is the basis for many of today's emerging VoIP services. Such a development would mean that Google could branch out into more mainstream voice services by following the same path as Vonage and the myriad of VoIP providers that use voice over broadband phone adapters. The phone service functionality of these adapters is increasingly integrated into consumer broadband routers - so in future customers could choose a Google phone service and use it with standard PSTN handsets.
If Google succeeds in converting enough of its Gmail users to Google Talk PC phone customers, it has the brand strength and market presence to move into a much broader range of multimedia services, starting with telephony. It could do this in its own right or in partnership with others - and we would expect to see both. Traditional phone companies plus VoIP providers like Skype, Vonage and the myriad of others need not worry just yet, but Google is absolutely one to watch in this area."
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