Resumo de The Search

In his book, "The Search", John Battelle presents the fascinating time-line upon which the Internet search giant, Google, moves. This time-line starts with an historical description of the company, which started as an idea originating in the minds of two doctoral candidates from Stanford. It continues with an outline of the company's development from a small group of enthusiasts occupying a room in the university's dorms to a giant corporation that employs thousands of people and influences the world's economy. The historical review finishes with a depiction of a not-so-far-away future in which an elaborate search process will combine with almost every aspect of life, and will affect it dramatically.

Side by side with the extraordinary Google tale, John Battelle brings the story of other companies ? starting with the major and successful ones, such as Yahoo, but not neglecting the small ones that shone for a short while before disappearing, while sometimes leaving the Net with a significant contribution.

Using a simple and flowing narrative, which does not require an extensive knowledge in computers, business or the Internet, Battelle describes the colorful men and women who occupy the start-up companies' world, as well as the different forces that set these people in motion. Such forces include sheer determination, adventurism, big money, business entrepreneurship, the success of a few versus the failure of many, aggressive competitiveness, and the endless possibilities that lie within the Net.

In addition to handling such intriguing materials, Battelle addresses other significant issues such as the power of human curiosity, people's need of control (expressed in the necessity to know everything, hold all the options, and satisfy needs and demands), fanaticism for privacy versus the ever-growing freedom of information, and the shaping of the Global Village with the benefits and quality of life it has to offer, as well as the threats and dangers it exposes us to (such as the threat of Google becoming a know-all Big Brother).

The Search is unique for recounting the turn of events by bringing forward personal and humane stories ? both those of the main figures in the service providers side (the founders of Google, the founders of Yahoo, venture capitalists etc.) and those of the major figures in the customers' side (small businesses owners who use Google's services, governments, journalists, private individuals and others). Opposing interests, mutual interests, ego and the will to influence, all merge for the purpose of moving forward the plot while reviewing a remarkable array of issues such as politics, psychology, publishing, marketing, business models and more.

Battelle's book offers a golden opportunity to the understanding of the information revolution with the tempting possibilities it presents each and every one of us, and the risks and hazards that lurk within its boundaries. Both the story itself and the footnote appendix, rich with links and references, provide the reader with diverse channels for further search, studying and profound investigation.

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