Summary
The acquisition of Gizmo5 was not done solely because Skype was about to acquire them. It was done because Google needs to acquire SIP competence quickly so its Google Voice platform can be prevalent on all future devices, applications and within the mobile operator's network.
Analysis
For many years, Google avoided involving itself in the VoIP industry. It was courted by every major and minor VoIP player at conferences, meetings, anywhere Google showed up. Google discounted the value of VoIP and thought VoIP was all about voice and billing minutes. After its acquisition of Grand Central, Google finally started listening to the underlying layer of VoIP, the protocols and signaling that powers VoIP. It began to make sense to them.
The strategic importance of Google Voice has increased exponentially and continues to do so because "voice" is the connecting bridge between all people. By having a "voice" strategy that reinforced its advertising strategy, Google would be in a even more powerful position then without.
The acquisition of Gizmo5 was to acquire the needed SIP knowledge that can only be obtained from the individuals who have been involved in the SIP standards and interrop wars for the past 10 years. The Gizmo5 people will be able to connect Google Voice to any web service or make it available on the simplest API for integration into future applications.
The Gizmo5 acquisition was not about a voice application. Gizmo5 application has always been unreliable and prone to bugs but it ability to interrop with other SIP networks was world class.
Google Voice is a much bigger strategy then people realize. What is the value of connecting you, your habits, your location, your availability, your frequency, your devices all into a single service?...Now, you can begin to understand the strategy behind Google Voice and its acquisition of Gizmo5.
Thomas F. Anglero, CEO
WiHood AS/LLC
