Google's Go

[Bill Baxter]

On Sat, Jan 30, 2010 at 10:46 AM, Walter Bright
<newshound1 at digitalmars.com> wrote:
> John D wrote:
>>
>> "Walter Bright" <newshound1 at digitalmars.com> wrote in message
>> news:hjg3b0$elr$1 at digitalmars.com...
>>>
>>> Nick Sabalausky wrote:
>>>>
>>>> You know, even though I'm one of the resident Google-haters here, I have
>>>> to admit, I saw a thing on TV about Google's company cafeteria, and - OMG,
>>>> I'm jealous of it!
>>>
>>> I've eaten at the Google cafeteria. It's very nice, and would be a
>>> compelling perq to work there.
>>>
>>> BTW, while I understand your concern about corporations inevitably
>>> growing in size until they rule the world, the historical experience is
>>> otherwise.
>>
>>> Once they reach a certain size,
>>
>> And what size is that? And more importantly, how long does it take?
>
>
> I don't have the list handy, but take a look at the largest companies in
> America (by market capitalization) for each decade. You don't have to go
> very far back before you stop even recognizing the names.
>
>
>>> they tend to collapse from inefficiency and bureaucratic ossification.
>>>
>>> For example, GM! I could list dozens of others.
>>
>> Is that supposed to be consolation to the little sapling that couldn't
>> grow or have a life because the big tree's roots sucked up all the nutrients
>> and ominous branches blocked the sun?
>
> The book "The Innovators' Dilemma" lists many stories about small companies
> successfully competing with established dominant ones.

Definitely.  As soon as a company gets beyond a certain size it is
pretty much inevitable that they spend a significant amount of their
efforts protecting their current business model.  This will almost
always mean they will fail to react fast enough to compete with two
guys in a garage with a really good idea.

--bb