Can Google Wave be Everything Lotus Notes ever wanted to be?‏

This is a blog post that's been sitting in my drafts folder for several weeks. I was waiting for more uptake of Google Wave and to see if something would bubble to the top - either a vendor or an individual.

There have been a few individuals that have risen to the challenge. They have both heard and sounded the siren song of Google Wave, including:

• Gina Trapani – The Complete Guide to Google Wave
• Chris Brogan – How I came to Love Google Wave
• Me - Can Google Wave make it in the Enterprise? 
• I am a fan, but I also want to “put it to work”

Where are the App Developers

Twitter has Tweetdeck, Seesmic, HootSuite and countless other apps and applets that have been developed by solo developers and teamlets. Where are the similar usability apps for Google Wave. There are a few pretty cool gadgets for surveys, picture management, and games, but there don’t seem to be many productivity apps. If they exist why aren’t they being highlighted?

I’m Not Convinced

I'm not sure Google Wave is living up to all of the hype that surrounded the frenzy for Google Wave invites a few months ago. I have seen and written about some of the things I liked and some of the things I'd like to see in my post Google Wave – First Impressions. I have yet to see solutions to a few of these points that, to me, are critical to the adoption of Google Wave for both end users and enterprise users.

As a developer of Lotus Notes applications in the 1992-94 time frame I’ve seen a lot of similarities between Google Wave today and to Lotus Notes way back then. This is not an indictment against Google Wave - it's more or an indication that the same business challenges that existed 20 years ago still exist today.

But I am Optimistic

I think it's going to take a bit of a wait and see attitude. There was a lot of hype for Google Wave invites. There was a clamor to get on this new “wave” of technology. There was a lot of hype that Google Wave would replace (check all that apply) __ e-mail __ Instant Messaging __ Collaborative Applications, etc.

I am optimistic that Google and other developers are working on solutions to some of the points I have highlighted and many others that have been blogged about and discussed on Google Wave itself. The potential for Google Wave is high. I want to see more so that I can do more.

"It's about filtering ... Filtering the content that's relevant" Savan Kong - @savank Blog Talk Radio

The business challenges have not changed much over the past 20 years. People want tools that help them get more done.

Today there is a much larger stream of data. Google Wave, much like Lotus Notes 20+ years ago, is seeking to make it easier to Create, Communicate and Collaborate.

Note: For those that might remember --- this was the tag line for Lotus Notes in the 1990’s.                    Who remember the Superman Ads?

What Do You Think?

• Will Google Wave be the solution that integrates the way people think with the way they work?
• Can Google Wave be made “enterprise ready"?”
• Will Google Wave be part of your future communications?

 

About The Author:
I have spent the better part of the last 20 years working in various aspects of the ECM industry. I am currently with Kodak as a Director of Business Development. In my past I have spent time at Kofax, Microsoft, FileNet, K2, and at Captaris (which was acquired by Open Text in Nov 2008). Prior to that I was a Unix VAR running my own company. Follow me on Twitter, check my blog, send email or find me on Facebook or LinkedIn.