On Monday, Google made another one of it's major announcements even before we at Knowledge Infusion could write a blog about OpenSocial (coming soon). Google Mobile enters the fray. This could easily be called the single most important announcement to the HR service delivery space ever. Lets look a bit under the covers:
The Google announcement/initiative is designed to turn cellphones into powerful mobile computers. From a Knowledge Infusion standpoint we often hear, "the reason we dont rollout technology is that we don't have PC's where employees are". This argument appears to be on its last breath.
This quote says it nicely - “The Internet is going mobile, and it’s not just top down, its
one-to-one and many-to-many all at the same time, and that’s what the Google guys get.”Software developers “will build applications that do amazing things on the Internet and on mobile phones as well,” Eric E. Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, said at a news conference.
Who will be the first in the HR and talent management space? Will something be shown next year at HR Technology 2008? Lets make that a goal!
We have attached a link to one of the better articles on this topic from the NY Times below. Take a read and continue to watch this trend. The issue for HR direct access and better connectivity and communication with employees has always been the device. Is this about to change forever? Thoughts?
Remember how the generation entering the workforce today communicates. Text messages.
Don't want for the Google Phone to revamp your e-HR strategy. This has to be part of your HR strategy into the future.
Another infusion of knowledge...
Hi Jason
I share your enthusiasm about the potential for this - however, I also share the concerns highlighted in the article.
Is this the way to go? - absolutely - will it happen? - yes - when? - not before next years HR Conference!
There is no doubt that at some time in the not too distant future all phone calls will be free, subsidised by advertising. However, at present, despite the impressive list of companies registering interest with Google on this, the facts are that mobile /cellular operators are making massive profits (particularly here in Europe). I live in Ireland which has a population of 4 million people (slightly more than the population of Los Angeles). 2 of the 4 Cellular operators here make over $750M profit (not a typo...)a year between them from the chatty Irish!! Presently, there is absolutely no way they could earn those type of profits from any form of advertising to 4 million people
I want it to happen, we all want it to happen - but right now in Europe, cellular operators are not quite ready to take this challenge on - they have just given in to the EU Rgulator who has forced them to lower the roaming rates charged - the are not happy about that. As you know, most European countries have yet to sign up for iPhone - the UK is only introducing it on Nov 9th for the first time - we are still waiting for an operator to take it on board here in Ireland.
I think Google wil have a fight on its hands to introduce this worldwide - yes, it can work in the US, and the rest of the world is ready for it - but I don't think the busniess world really wants it ... yet.
That's my view - but I would still love to see one at next year's show!
Shay