We mentioned last week that Google had purchased Meebo. While it’s unclear exactly how much money Google paid for the service, rumor has it Google spent about $100 million. As technology companies are apt to do, it seems Google only wanted the people and the technology behind Meebo.
Meebo services will begin shutting down on July 11. The services that will be shut down include Meebo Messenger, Sharing on Meebo, Meebo Me, and all Meebo mobile applications. The only thing that will continue to operate from Meebo is the Meebo Bar, which will continue to get new features and be developed.
The Impact on Meebo Users
The shutdown of Meebo services is likely to have a significant impact on its user base. Meebo Messenger, for instance, was a popular web-based instant messaging service that allowed users to chat across multiple IM platforms like AIM, Yahoo, and Google Talk. This convenience made it a favorite among users who wanted a unified messaging experience. The discontinuation of Meebo Messenger means that users will now have to find alternative services to meet their messaging needs.
Similarly, Sharing on Meebo was a feature that allowed users to share content easily across various social networks. This feature was particularly useful for bloggers and social media enthusiasts who wanted to streamline their sharing process. With the shutdown, these users will need to look for other tools to manage their social sharing activities.
Meebo Me was another innovative service that allowed website owners to embed a chat widget on their sites, enabling real-time communication with visitors. This feature was particularly popular among small businesses and customer service teams. The discontinuation of Meebo Me means that these users will have to find other chat solutions to maintain their customer engagement.
Google’s Strategic Move
All Meebo personnel and technology will be folded into Google’s social network Google+ team. This move is part of Google’s broader strategy to enhance its social networking capabilities. By integrating Meebo’s technology and talent, Google aims to make Google+ a more robust and competitive platform.
Google+ has been striving to differentiate itself from other social networks like Facebook and Twitter. The acquisition of Meebo is expected to bring new features and improvements to Google+, particularly in the areas of real-time communication and social sharing. For example, the Meebo Bar, which will continue to operate, could be integrated into Google+ to enhance user interaction and engagement.
Moreover, the acquisition aligns with Google’s long-term vision of creating a more interconnected and seamless online experience. By incorporating Meebo’s technology, Google can offer more integrated services that connect various aspects of users’ online activities, from social networking to real-time communication.
However, it’s worth noting that not all users are happy with this acquisition. Many loyal Meebo users are disappointed that their favorite services are being discontinued. Some have expressed concerns about the loss of features they have come to rely on, while others are skeptical about how well Meebo’s technology will be integrated into Google+.
In conclusion, while Google’s acquisition of Meebo represents a strategic move to bolster its social networking capabilities, it also marks the end of an era for Meebo’s loyal user base. The shutdown of Meebo services will undoubtedly leave a void for many users, but it also opens up new possibilities for innovation and integration within Google+. Only time will tell how successful Google will be in leveraging Meebo’s technology to enhance its social networking platform.
via VentureBeat
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