Closing the Google Notebook

January 20, 2009 / Filed under: Google, Services, Cloud Computing

Google Notebook has closed it's doors for new users. Many are in an uproar over this, and I think the arguments are short-sighted.

First, Google has clearly stated they will keep Notebook up and running (for how long - nobody knows) for existing users. This means that, although the service is no longer accepting new users, it will still function as it always has for existing users.

Second, this has always been a free service that deserves no criticism now that it is closing. Google doesn't owe you anything. Your data is still accessible and can be exported at any time.

Threats of Google randomly shutting down other services are ridiculous and off-base:

Welcome to the cloud, watch it evaporate ... bad karma google.

You can be certain that Google will always provide a smooth exit strategy and transition for users of a service shutting down. They're not just gonna have their services suddenly disappear one day.

Am I more cautious of "cloud computing" knowing that services can be shut down? Absolutely not. I invest my time in reliable "cloud computing" companies that I know will provide smooth transitions, if the day comes the service ceases to exist.

"Cloud computing" is a privilege, a benefit, a progression - not a liability.

Although no new features will be added to Google Notebook, and your support questions will go unanswered, this is still a very generous approach, by allowing existing users to continue to use the service for the immediate future.

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