Why does Google shut down products?

TL;DR

Google discontinues products due to resource reallocation and evolving technology.

Transcript

Today we have a question for Aaron Friedman in Chicago, Illinois Aaron asks, "Matt, we often hear about Google 'killing off' products. Why do you guys do this? Are you just being mean or "out to get" us SEOs? Sounds like there's something bigger going on. Could you please elaborate?" This was an interesting question, and I wasn't completely sure th... Read More

Key Insights

• Google frequently experiments with new ideas and products. This exploratory approach helps the company innovate, but it also means some projects may not succeed and are eventually discontinued.
• Resource allocation is a major factor in discontinuing products. Google aims to optimize its use of engineers and technology by focusing on projects with potential for significant impact.
• Internal infrastructure changes can lead to the discontinuation of products. As Google's technology evolves, some products may become outdated or incompatible with newer systems.
• The decision to discontinue a product is not driven by malice or disregard for users. Instead, Google evaluates the utility and traction of each product to determine its viability.
• Google's search results page is highly competitive, with each feature needing to justify its presence. Products that don't attract sufficient user engagement may be replaced or removed.
• Opportunity cost plays a role in product discontinuation. Google prefers to invest in projects with promising futures rather than those with limited potential.
• Popular and widely-used products, like Gmail, receive ongoing support and development. This ensures that resources are directed towards services that benefit a large user base.
• Products in maintenance mode may not receive frequent updates, but they continue to operate as long as they meet user needs and technological requirements.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does Google discontinue some products?

Google discontinues products primarily due to resource reallocation and the need to focus on projects with the most potential. As a technology company that constantly innovates, Google must make strategic decisions about where to invest its engineering and technological resources. Products that do not gain sufficient traction or become outdated due to infrastructure changes may be discontinued to allow for better use of resources.

Q: How does Google decide which products to end?

Google evaluates products based on their utility, traction, and alignment with current technology. Products that fail to attract enough user engagement or become incompatible with evolving infrastructure are considered for discontinuation. The decision is not based on malice but rather on optimizing resource allocation and ensuring that each product justifies its presence, especially in competitive areas like the search results page.

Q: Is the discontinuation of Google products driven by malice?

No, the discontinuation of Google products is not driven by malice. Google's decisions are based on strategic considerations, such as resource optimization and technological advancement. The company aims to focus on projects with the potential for significant impact and user benefit, rather than maintaining products that may not align with these goals. The process is part of Google's commitment to innovation and efficiency.

Q: What role does user engagement play in product discontinuation?

User engagement is a critical factor in Google's decision to continue or discontinue a product. Products that attract significant user interaction and benefit a large audience are more likely to receive ongoing support and development. Conversely, features or services that fail to engage users may be deemed less valuable, leading to their removal or replacement. Google's search results page, for example, prioritizes features that justify their presence through user engagement.

Q: How does infrastructure change affect product continuity at Google?

Infrastructure changes at Google can significantly impact product continuity. As the company's technology evolves, some products may become outdated or incompatible with new systems. This can lead to the discontinuation of products that are no longer viable within the current technological framework. Google's focus on innovation means that it must continuously adapt its infrastructure, which can sometimes result in the end of certain projects.

Q: What is the opportunity cost in Google's product strategy?

Opportunity cost is a key consideration in Google's product strategy. The company aims to allocate resources efficiently by investing in projects with promising futures and significant potential impact. Products that appear to be dead ends, either due to limited traction or technological challenges, may be discontinued to free up resources for more promising initiatives. This strategic approach helps Google maintain its competitive edge and focus on innovation.

Q: Why do some Google products enter maintenance mode?

Some Google products enter maintenance mode when they continue to meet user needs but do not require frequent updates or new development. These products may still operate effectively within their current framework, but the engineers and resources previously dedicated to them may be redirected to other projects. Maintenance mode ensures that the product remains available to users while allowing Google to optimize its resource allocation.

Q: What ensures the continued support of popular Google products?

The continued support of popular Google products is ensured by their widespread usage and significant user engagement. Products like Gmail, which are used by a large audience, receive ongoing development and updates to enhance their functionality and user experience. Google's commitment to supporting these products is driven by their proven value and the benefits they provide to a broad user base, making them a priority for resource allocation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Google frequently tests new ideas and products, leading to some being discontinued if they don't succeed or align with evolving technology. The decision to end a product is based on resource optimization and ensuring the best possible use of engineers and technology.

• Discontinued products often result from internal infrastructure changes, making them outdated or incompatible. Google's focus is on innovation and maintaining a competitive search results page, where each feature must justify its presence through user engagement.

• Opportunity cost influences Google's product strategy. Projects with limited potential are less likely to receive ongoing support, whereas popular services like Gmail continue to be developed. Maintenance mode products operate without frequent updates, meeting user needs as long as they remain viable.