ta092838

I would say that indexing and making usable information in different contexts is their core competency (Search, Email, Maps, Desktop, Android, etc.) Advertising is a "tack on" to bring in the money, it's not where they are developing new value to the end user. Ad relevancy is really just a natural extension of their Search algorithm. If you're a business person you might say Ads is all Google is, but they still need to develop compelling products (core competency) to bring in views.

Google's push towards Google+ reminds me of Microsoft's arrogance in forcing their vision of Windows 8. An established company trying to get another piece of the pie that is not their core competency. It's too bad Google is trying to get into the social game. I wish they would stick to the "serious" endeavors that started out with, more Wolfram Alpha, less Facebook. They don't have to own the entire internet, just do things that they can do better than anyone else...