14 DAY TRIAL // The company that changed forever the concept of online search and gave us a pretty good idea of what desktop search can be all about is now thinking of getting involved with placing voice over IP calls just by a touch of a button, and all for free?
This option could be available to advertisers, which will have the possibility to set up phone calls with consumers only by hitting a few links.
The rumor started when a Google job add started making its rounds in search of a "strategic negotiator" which will help provide a "global backbone network".
From this point on, assumptions started surfacing, and the possibility of a Google VoIP service started getting into shape.
Analyst firms started putting in their two cents about the matter, highlighting Google's number one spot on the online search map and the potential all Internet related services must have for such a strong player.
Looking into this direction isn't so far fetched for the online giant, considering the broad offer of applications and services Google has to offer. This could be just the next logical step. On the other hand, there are a few analysts who aren't too sure about Google's plans involving VoIP services, especially when it comes to competing with Vonage and AT&T.
So far, Google did not comment in any way on the rumor, which means we're just left guessing about their intentions and the possibility they will set their teeth into what is already described as a huge potential market, by 2008 at least 17 million households will use VoIP services.