Let’s address the Google monopoly issue.

I am a huge Google fan. I use their products every day. Extensively. And Google is a marketing and sales machine.

There are anti-monopoly laws in place for a reason though, and that is to ensure that no one firm has an over-bearing presence or control in the market. Microsoft was called to task for many years because of their dominance in the PC industry, and the years of government and anti-monopoly meetings both in the EU and USA took their toll on Microsoft. Google is reaching the same levels that Microsoft was at in the mid 1990’s with their dominance in the internet “cloud” market. Number 1 in search. Number 1 in on-line ads. Number 1 in on-line video. And the list continues.

But, where does it stop. YES, the products are amazing. But, we need to make sure that no single firm has too much control over an industry and Google is reaching those levels. Maybe not yet, but, we’re getting there.

Apple will continue their dominance in the market
There’s no doubt that Apple makes some great products but I don’t think we’ll be using the word ‘dominate’ for very long with respect to Apple. Assuming we’re talking about the Smart Phone market I think you’ll see Android grab significant market share over the next 12 months. Apple is well known for their marketing savvy has already started leaking details about iPhone 4 to try and stem the Android onslaught that all but started. However, did you notice what’s being advertised on the Google homepage?

There will be considerable competition for Nortel’s market share
A number of Nortel competitors have already experienced the fierce loyalty of Nortel customers. Early upgrade/migration programs and incentives from competitors failed miserably and were summarily rejected by the vast majority Nortel customers. Unless Avaya makes some very unfavorable moves on January 19th look for the vast majority of Nortel customers to stay the course with Avaya.

Microsoft will fall into voice oblivion (if they haven’t already)
While Microsoft definitely has some issues to contend with they certainly aren’t going to fall into voice oblivion. While their OCS solution is definitely not on the cheap side it’s by far one of the best solutions out there. They will need to re-gear themselves moving forward and as always they MUST work on their licensing models. What’s the point of pricing everything where no one can afford the solution?

HP will make a play for the voice market. They have a VERY high chance of success.
Looks like the batteries in my magic 8 ball just died… I’m not totally up to speed on 3COM and their acquisition of NBX but did 3COM really improve the NBX product portfolio? Will HP really commit the $$$ to reach and development in order to play in any vertical above SOHO?

Is Google becoming too dominant ?
Let me ask a follow-up question. Why as a consumer would I care if Google is becoming too dominant? Let’s put aside the images of the evil Empire in Star Wars (which not long ago was Microsoft) and look at it objectively. It’s no argument that Google is no longer just a web search or advertising company. They have expanded themselves into numerous areas and have been very successful. I personally enjoy Google Search, Google Reader, Google News, Google GMail, Google Adsense and now recently a Motorola Droid based on the Google Android 2.0 Operating System. I am much more concerned about the dwindling cellular and cable companies and their legion of lobbyists and laywers than I am about Google.

Just a few rambling thoughts… keep up the good work Jeff!
Mike