Can AdWords handle the future?

[abbottsys]

A bit of strategic pondering..

Ever noticed that all AdWords ads you see are inside a browser? It does not matter if the ads are on google.com, or search partners, or the content network... they can only be displayed if inside a browser. The reason is simple.. Google ad services returns code that needs a browser for rendering.

This sounds obvious, but as the future produces stand alone internet applications the need will exist to serve ads to these applications.. and that will mean a far more sophisticated interface to Google ad services.

I believe we'll first see this trend on the next generation (3G) of cellphones.. and in fact we're already seeing the beginning of this on the iPhone, where "native" apps have nothing whatsever to do with browsers. These apps still need to display ads. So who will serve them? Not AdWords in its current form.

To move to the future Google will need to provide a far more sophisticated interface into its ad services than that currently offered through browsers.

The future of the browser is limited, and it's time for AdWords to move beyond the browser. Besides, have you noticed who controls the browser ;)

So, can AdWords handle the future?

[Mel66]

...have you noticed who controls the browser ;)

Therein lies the real question. I think this is why some pundits think that the fat years are over for the big G, and also why some are not counting MSN out of the game just yet.

[abbottsys]

Therein lies the real question. I think this is why some pundits think that the fat years are over for the big G, and also why some are not counting MSN out of the game just yet.
I don't think the "fat years" are over if Google can migrate AdWords outside the browser as I mention in my original post. But perhaps a "new Google" will appear on the scene and take over the future. It's happened before ;)

[allstar784]

Don't forget that Google is consistently acquiring new companies and I would not put past the powerhouse to utilize its many resources to accomplish this task. I think Google Desktop is going to become a new platform to service ads direct to consumers based on recent browser activity.

Now that's something I'd definitely like to see!

[AdWordsRep]

Can AdWords handle the future?

I vote "Yes". But, then, I would. Right?

:) AWR

[KSew]

Besides, have you noticed who controls the browser ;)

To stop AdWords ads to be shown in the future, browsers will have to be non-JavaScript compatible. That won’t be a good business idea for MS or any other browser making company.

Even if done they will have to fight legal battles with Google, which they wont like either.

There’s another fear factor. If browser controlling starts, Google may come up with its own fantastic and “FREE” browser. Everyone knows when Google makes a product its one of the best. (I can see AWR smiling).

True Google should think about the future (which I think it is), but this whole business of online advertising is here to stay.

[abbottsys]

I vote "Yes". But, then, I would. Right?

:) AWR
Indeed. You might be just a tad biased ;)
But seriously, My contention is that internet apps will require new ad services. I'm already realizing this with the iPhone. You have "native" iPhone apps, and then you have the old way of delivering services through a browser, the so called "web apps".

Native apps seem to be the future, but who is supplying ads to them? Certainly not AdWords (yet). So, do you know of any "non-browser" delivery plans for AdWords that you can talk about? Any AdWords engineers or Product Managers willing to give the SEW forum some preview info ;)