Denis’ Blog

Google today announced that Google Docs, the Web based word processor of Google, will go off line in the coming weeks

This is a long awaited news. Security and off line usage are two things that prevent Google Apps to go mainstream in business. Security is now managed with Google APIs that enable full integration with corporation Identity Management solution (especially SAML based). In a few weeks, you will be able to use Google word processor in the train, in the plane…well..anywhere…

Add on top of that that Firefox 3, the next release of Firefox due to June, will integrate off line mode, probably compatible with Google Gears, the Google off line engine (based on open source database SQlite), and you have a great view of what is coming. The great war.

Linkedin is quite a fascinating company. They outperformed in the last years Spoke.com or Xing. They did that thanks to a very neat User Interface, very simple, and the right mix of privacy settings.

Now that they have a very good position on the professional networking business, they have to leverage this position to increase revenues and secure new markets. And that will not be easy, since Facebook can in a few months take the Linkedin position.

Since Linkedin is full of top talents, we will have probably a strong reaction, with great new features. Let’s see what they probably will launch in the coming weeks:

• A netvibes like User Interface: I know for sure some top engineers at Linkedin has looked at POSH, a open source software to build a Netvibes like portal (and developped by some frenchies !). It’s a sign
• An API: that’s no secret, Linkedin has announced such an API. That’s a huge part of the success of Facebook, and it will be a big success in the Linkedin world: integration with Salesforces.com, with Google Maps to view the recommanded people in your area, etc…
• Extended Resume: Linkedin is THE place where you want to manage your online resume. So Linkedin will probably extend its services, with extended resume, ability to post to job boards, etc…
• more Semantic: Linkedin is already using Microformats. It will probably go HRXML to be the reference of online resume…in the world

According to Venturebeat, Microsoft has signed a deal to invest $240 million in Facebook. $240 million for.. .less than 2% of Facebook shares.

So, if you take your preferred calculator, you reach a… $15 Billion valuation for Facebook.

MS will leverage Facebook to increase its Web 2.0 awareness, and maybe push Silverlight, boost its Ads business or whatever… But $240 millions for less than 2%, I take the bet. It is overpaid :-).

BTW, let’s take the opportunity to catch up with the Web 2.0 madness. Let’s bet: Who will invest/acquire in hi5.com ?

What do you think?