April Fool’s Day acquisition?

Can Twitter search be a threat to Google?
Short media review

Rumors are spreading that Google will acquire Twitter soon. Google chief executives deny it. Few weeks ago Google CEO Erich Schmidt called Twitter a "poor man's e-mail system". Some bloggers explained rumors just as a Fool’s Day jokes. Others stated that negotiations are on late stage in acquisition . Additional news came that negotiations just have begun, but Google is ready to pay in cash. The suggestion that Google is interested in Twitter’s search possibilities is not surprising. Why is Google interested? And in what way Twitter can be a competitor to Google search?

Real time search

Because of real time search possibilities, twitter search engine becomes more and more popular. For some journalists and bloggers Twitter search presents next generation of search. While Google searches the past, Twitter gives an amazing opportunity of real-time searching. Actually, these two types of search supplement each other. While Twitter cannot replace global search, it is powerful for current events.

Search engine

Twitter didn’t develop its own search technology, but acquired Summize search engine in July 2008 and adapted to its needs. The main idea was to allow users to find what is happening just now. According to journalist Erick Schonfeld, Google and other search engines capture people’s intent, but they don’t do well “what people are doing and what they are thinking about”. Twitter search engine does it.

What’s next?

For many the idea that Twitter search can threaten Google search superiority still looks unrealistic. But it can become threatening in case of acquisition of the company by Google rivals. Besides, Google can add additional functionality to its own search, adding Twitter’s functions. On the other hand, the deal can be interesting to Twitter too. It will allow monetizing Twitter with Google advertising program. By the way, Twitter continues to develop its search possibilities very quickly. New Discovery Search Engine was launched. It will be soon incorporated into users’ home pages. Now it is under testing, but information about its functionality is available.