Monday, September 15. 2008

What Would Google do With GeoEye?

Seeking Alpha's Eric Jackson ponders that very question.

Highlights:

By owning GeoEye, Google would own the proprietary images it captures from its satellites. There would continue to be the need to invest in future satellite launches to stay ahead with the most up-to-date technology but Google certainly has the capital and the interest in space to do this. Owning the satellites also allows Google to develop the tools and unique services which can become integrated into Google Earth but (perhaps more importantly down the road for Google) its Android operating system which it will roll out on future mobile handsets (think highly unique location-based services here).

...

GeoEye is a more compelling potential acquisition target for Google than DigitalGlobe for two reasons: (1) it has the newest satellite in space today with the most advanced features and (2) it has a cadre of tools for using the images which their private competitor DigitalGlobe lacks. These tools came, in large part, from the MJ Harden acquisition done last year by GeoEye. More tools, from Google's perspective, means more usage of Google Earth from its clients and therefore more usage of Google Search and Apps.

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Remote Sensing at 07:30 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0) |

Comments

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Why buy the cow when you're getting the milk for (almost) free?

Both DigitalGlobe and Geoeye are falling over themselves selling data for a fraction of the total investment cost of 'owning' a satellite.

- Satellites such as these cost hundreds of millions to build and launch...IF they launch and perform successfully. There's HUGE risk in this business, and as long as the commercial companies are willing to sell their products for a few tens of millions, there's no incentive for Google to invest. Buy, yes. Invest, hardly.

#1 Archie Belaney on 2008-09-15 11:15 (Reply)

Starting rumors again, Adena? Tsk tsk.

#2 Daniel (Link) on 2008-09-16 06:08 (Reply)

Just b/c MJ Harden is run by tools doesn't mean it has the cadre of tools that Digital Globe lacks...

#3 Drew on 2008-09-19 10:47 (Reply)

Not sure what "tools" you are referring to. MJ Harden did not have any tools that Geoeye did not already have. Mjharden captures aerial photography and makes maps, not satellite imagery. It's quite a different product, and really an entirely seperate business.

#4 yourmom on 2008-09-19 15:11 (Reply)

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In reply to	[ Top level ]#1: Archie Belaney on 2008-09-15 11:15 #2: Daniel on 2008-09-16 06:08 #3: Drew on 2008-09-19 10:47 #4: yourmom on 2008-09-19 15:11
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