[January 24, 2005]

Help Wanted: VoIP Expert Needed by Google

BY JOHANNE TORRES

Google started a search for a “strategic negotiator experienced in the selection and negotiation of dark fiber contracts both in metropolitan areas and over long distances as part of the development of a global backbone network” last week—a move that seemed to fuel the slew of speculations of the search giant wanting to try its luck with a VoIP service of its own.

The company is yet to make any official announcements, but is has been heavily rumored that Google is planning to integrate VoIP-based calling features to its advertising-based marketing model. Experts believe that users will be able to, for example, do a search on a specific company or service, and the results page will feature a “call now” option that will allow users to place telephone calls over the Internet, powered by SIP, and possibly paid for in part by the Google results page client sponsor.

Google has been integrating new services and products that go beyond Internet-based search business opportunities. The company recently launched a toolbar; a free, high capacity Web-based storage e-mail; and a search desktop client. It has been also speculated that the company is currently working on developing an instant message (IM) client, along with its own Google-brand browser. These moves definitely fuel speculation about the company taking on the challenge to develop and integrate a VoIP-based service to its already successful product and services suite.

The company recently won a copyright infringement case trial brought on by car insurance company Geico. Geico filed a suit against the search engine giant for allegedly placing strategically sponsored rival advertisements appearing alongside search results when querying the keyword “Geico.” 

I will definitely keep you posted on any new developments on Google’s VoIP plans, as more information becomes available.