Today in Tech: FTC lets Google go; Pink slips at Infy; Popular Matrimony and more

NS Ramnath
Updated: Jan 4, 2013 06:11:53 PM UTC

FTC lets Google go with a reprimand

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What's the news: After 19 months Federal Trade Commission concluded that Google did not manipulate its Web search results to hurt rivals, reports Reuters

What's the background: Google's competitors, primarily Microsoft, and also others such as Yelp!, complained that Google search was biased in favour of its own services, such as Youtube and Google Maps, and pushed down the results of equally or better-qualified rivals.

What did FTC say: The FTC "concluded that the introduction of Universal Search, as well as additional changes made to Google’s search algorithms – even those that may have had the effect of harming individual competitors – could be plausibly justified as innovations that improved Google’s product and the experience of its users. It therefore has chosen to close the investigation."

What's the impact: Google agreed to make some voluntary changes, but these changes are nothing when compared to what could have gone against the company. There was no imposition of search neutrality; and there's no need to disclose more information. In effect, it's business as usual for the search engine giant. Microsoft and other rivals are disappointed. The attention will now turn to what EU says. It's safe to expect harsher treatment from the European regulators.

What about the users? Google is still the best general search engine, in my view. But, it would do us a lot of good to hear what Microsoft and others have to say about it. Head straight to: Fair Search

 

Infosys might let go of 5000 people * 

Economic Times reports that Infosys might trim its headcount by 5000, by sacking under-performing employees. To get a better perspective, I looked at the number of people who got fired over the last few years. This is how the chart looks. In this context, the news is hardly surprising.

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(Infosys in a statement says, "the number that may be affected is significantly lower than the 5000 quoted in the article." )

IBM India gets a new chief

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Times of India reports IBM has appointed Vanitha Narayanan as managing director of IBM India. Her predecessor Shanker Annaswamy will remain in IBM as a senior advisor. Journalists looking for trends - significant or otherwise - would notice two here. Indian operations of MNCs are getting new heads. Intel got one a couple of months back. Cisco will get one soon. More interestingly, some of the big ones are headed by women. HP by Neelam Dhawan, Facebook by Kirthiga Reddy, Capgemini by Aruna Jayanthi.

 

Popular matrimony From a company that has launched exclusive matrimony sites for divorcees, defence personnel, and mangliks (yes, really) yet another site (Mint) for low income groups should come as no surprise. The bottom of matrimonial pyramid also seems to be huge. "We are talking about a potential market size of about Rs.3,000 crore,” according to Atul Narania, business head at PopularMatrimony.com

 

Also of interest

  • French ISP Free Blocks All Web Advertising | Fast Company
  • Will an Apple watch replace the iPhone? | Fortune
  • Obama uses autopen for third time, we wait for it to become a hacking target | Geek (The storied history of the Presidential robotic pen | Verge )
  • CES 2013 Preview: Fewer Electronics, More Cars | Technology Review
  • Facebook testing free calling, adds 'push to talk' to app | LA Times

The thoughts and opinions shared here are of the author.

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