Tim Howell’s Weblog

With the relatively recent release of Google Earth and MSN Virtual Earth, most of us were impressed by the way in which all this mapping information was made available to everyday users, using everyday technology. Like any new platform, though, the real challenge for Google and MSN is how to use this valuable data to drive usage of their other products and services, in particular advertising. Putting together these pieces of the puzzle isn’t terribly challenging, as proximity and location become additional inputs for finding what you want.

What is really interesting is how these providers are letting others add value to their data, as described here by Business 2.0. The list here isn’t at all exhaustive, but it’s another great example of how the web is connecting different applications and ideas, and how innovative companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon and eBay are using their respective platforms to drive innovation. Sure, these companies benefit both directly and indirectly from this activity, however this type of thinking has to help us all, and may result in spin-off ideas and companies. Think about the Amazon affiliate program, and eBay’s storefronts.