Is it possible to predict the future? Is it possible to influence the future? Sometimes we get used to do things in a certain way which does not make sense anymore…  I claim that when there is a clear need and the technology is already here, it is possible to predict the future. 

Six years ago I talked with Nir that was working in my department in orange.co.il. I mentioned that there is an opportunity for an online retailer to evolve in the music and video space. I mentioned that I see consumers pay premium for comfort while they download music and movies or watch it via streaming. Nir was surprised and said he does not believe that in a world full with piracy, someone would pay to actually access music. 

Well time flew by and 6 years later, a new retail giant evolved – Apple. They are now the number one Music retailer and they charge per download from millions of users every month. In that case with a bit of luck, my prediction was right. Let’s try to predict what can Google or Apple do next? 

A strong need for uniquitos online File storage tool 

My family has 3 computers at home. We also have 3 portable hard drives. I have one computer at work where I can save files on my desktop and two servers to store and share files with my colleagues. I have one gmail account and bookmarks stored on my firefox and google desk top, I have contacts stored on my gmail account, linkedin account, plaxo account, outlook account… and the list can go on and on… There is a very clear need to enable me to put every thing online and access it from every where while I can search and tag files and enjoy constant backup and very good security – much better than what I have on my personal computer. 

Google developed many new a cool services in the last few years – from searching online on maps and satellite to browsers (chrome) and operation system (Android). Most of the services do not generate any revenue stream for the company, and many claim that they have only one strong business model – advertising via google adword and adsense platforms, which I tend to agree with. 

The opportunity 

I have already switched from my outlook to gmail and Google calendar a year ago. I save a lot of time due to the fact that all my emails are integrated into one account which I can access from all across the web while I can tag and search emails much faster than ever before. I now actually save files on my gmail account just to be able to access it for future use from everywhere. 

But with most of my files and contacts this is not the case. I keep storing it in several locations which do not make sense. There is a waste of storage resources due to duplications, there is a waste of time I spend to look for the information, and there is a limit to my accessibility. Big corporate can solve most of it with a secure VPN solution, but what about individuals and SME’s? 

I use Google to search for information about 30 times per day now. Heck I even joke about it with my friends that if possible I would use it to search for my keys or glasses. Google should evolve from a search engine for content on web pages that monetize on traffic to general digital media storage and search solution.  I claim that Google can develop a service that will enable users to upload, download, search, tag and do all the great functions that Google enable us via Gmail. How can they charge for this service? Per file (similar to pay per click)? Per MB? Subscription based?  I don’t know and actually I think all can become very good business model for them.

I am sure there is a great need that will enable users to save time and storage space, enjoy an automatic backup and ability to access the information from every where. I also claim that this space is wide open. This is unlike Android, Chrome or Google docs who faces and will continue to face a lot of competition while the business model is not clear and the competitors provide very good value already. 

5-10 years from now when bandwidth will be much bigger and speed much higher, it will look strange that we used to store information on our HD, DVD or CD ROM as strange as records and cassette tapes look today. We will be able to search and access our files from every where while we enjoy much better user interface, automatic backup and enhanced security via Google file hosting service.