"The Sky's Limitless when You're Connected"!: February 2010

By now you all have heard about Google but how many have hear about the "Google Talk Gadget"? It's hard to believe that just 10 years ago while I was working at Sandy Bay Networks; an e-marketing service provider we used to joke in the office and say "Have you heard of that Google thing"? Too Funny! Less than a decade later, they are definitely in the forefront and driving the Brand Wagon for Search Engine Technology. It has only been 10 years, not a 100 and yet we have learned so much from Google in terms of gaining access to the world with just a click of a mouse and instantaneously finding information on virtually any subject. From Gmail connections, maps and driving directions, business directories, Google Ad words, Google Picasa, Google and to now Google Talk, Google is always one step ahead of the web world. For those of those of you following the trends of Google then you may know about the new "Google Talk". For those who haven't been "pinged" yet, Gmail's Google Talk is an instant messaging service, which is integrated with Gmail or available as a separate download. Windows users can download the Google Talk application, and Mac and Linux users can use many other instant messaging applications with their Google Talk accounts or message directly from Gmail. Google Talk also supports PC-to-PC voice calls.

Google's chat features and the downloadable Google Talk application are very similar in functionality. Both Gmail and the Google Talk client let you connect to the Google Talk network, which is made up of millions of people who use the Google Talk IM product, or a service that supports open server-to-server federation.

Google Talk offers some additional customization options, including making Gmail the default mail handler and providing notifications of incoming mail to Gmail. On its own, Gmail chat allows you to talk to people from directly within Gmail. If you're signed in to the Google Talk application in the background, Gmail will also allow you to make free voice calls from your friends' profile cards. Features that Gmail chat has but Google Talk does not offer are video chat, invisible mode, and group chat.

With all the small businesses I have been working with I communicate the importance of getting on the "Google Brand Wagon". It is a strategic marketing move that allows businesses to access the online tools that Google has developed and leverage the ability to connect to their target market. You can connect with your customers by starting Google talk today at http://www.google.com/talk .Feel free to watch the video below for more info.