It’s a project close to our hearts. This week, the Mundaneum in the Belgian city of Mons opened a new exhibition on the history of collecting and organising information. We were delighted to lend our support as part of our ongoing partnership.
Decades before the creation of the World Wide Web, Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine envisaged a paper archival system of the world’s information. They built a giant international documentation centre -- the Mundaneum. For us at Google, this mission sounds familiar.
Entitled “Renaissance 2.0,” A Journey Through the Origins of the Web,” the new exhibition combines video, images, and text to take us on a journey through the origins of the web. It explains the role of Otlet and Lafontaine as well as World Wide Web creator Tim Berners Lee, and, of course, the role of Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
This past week, we appeared at a press conference organized by the Mundaneum to celebrate the new exhibition. In the evening, Belgian Prime Minister Elio di Rupo attended an opening cocktail and we celebrated. At the party, everyone took a step back in time, with hostesses dressed in the same 19th century uniforms they used to assemble the original Mundaneum. The exhibition runs for the coming nine months and we hope many of you can make the trip to see it.
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Senin, 15 Oktober 2012
Kamis, 11 Oktober 2012
A worthy winner for the inaugural Tony Sale award
For most people, computing seems such a modern pastime that little thought is given to its history. Thankfully, there are exceptions. Today was a chance to pay tribute to some dedicated preservers of computing heritage, via the Tony Sale Award for Computing Conservation.
This award, sponsored by Google, is managed by the Computer Conservation Society and named in memory of Tony Sale, leader of the project to reconstruct Colossus. Tony’s son Nigel now manages a technical team at Google, so fittingly was our representative on the judging panel.
As Nigel describes:
“The bigger the challenge, the more motivated Dad would be to prove he could do it. When he started a new project it would be his entire focus. I often remember him sitting in his study, surrounded by piles of papers, wires and circuit boards, with his soldering iron smoking away as he pondered the latest problem. I can see many things that my Dad would admire in all the entries. All faced challenges and overcame obstacles; many have taken years to complete. What underlines them all is a dedication to succeed, of which I know my Dad would approve”.
There were four finalists, each deserving of commendation:
“The winning entry is both a brilliant technical construction and a work of art. Its fusion of art, engineering and history celebrates one of the first artistic applications of the computer in a visually attractive way. The wide cultural appeal, originality and touch of genius of this entry set it apart and has given us an inspiring first winner of the Tony Sale Award”
There’s an old saying, never forget where you came from. Thanks to all who commit their time and energy to ensuring this doesn’t happen to computing.
This award, sponsored by Google, is managed by the Computer Conservation Society and named in memory of Tony Sale, leader of the project to reconstruct Colossus. Tony’s son Nigel now manages a technical team at Google, so fittingly was our representative on the judging panel.
As Nigel describes:
“The bigger the challenge, the more motivated Dad would be to prove he could do it. When he started a new project it would be his entire focus. I often remember him sitting in his study, surrounded by piles of papers, wires and circuit boards, with his soldering iron smoking away as he pondered the latest problem. I can see many things that my Dad would admire in all the entries. All faced challenges and overcame obstacles; many have taken years to complete. What underlines them all is a dedication to succeed, of which I know my Dad would approve”.
There were four finalists, each deserving of commendation:
- The project to restore a functioning 1959 DEC PDP-1, led by Dag Spicer of the Computer History Museum in California
- Time-Line, a collection of equipment that has been assembled with great dedication over two decades by Michael Armstrong in Wigton, UK
- The reconstruction and simulation of Konrad Zuse’s Z3 by Raúl Rojas in Berlin
- “Love letters” -- an art installation featuring romantic messages generated by a replica of a Ferranti Mark 1 by Dr David Link in Cologne.
“The winning entry is both a brilliant technical construction and a work of art. Its fusion of art, engineering and history celebrates one of the first artistic applications of the computer in a visually attractive way. The wide cultural appeal, originality and touch of genius of this entry set it apart and has given us an inspiring first winner of the Tony Sale Award”
There’s an old saying, never forget where you came from. Thanks to all who commit their time and energy to ensuring this doesn’t happen to computing.
Rabu, 10 Oktober 2012
Bringing history to life
Today you can discover 42 new online historical exhibitions telling the stories behind major events of the last century, including Apartheid, D-Day and the Holocaust. The stories have been put together by 17 partners including museums and cultural foundations who have drawn on their archives of letters, manuscripts, first-hand video testimonials and much more. Much of the material is very moving—and some is on the Internet for the first time.
Each exhibition features a narrative which links the archive material together to unlock the different perspectives, nuances and tales behind these events. Among others you’ll see:
The historical collections are the latest chapter in the work of the Google Cultural Institute, following the Art Project, World Wonders and the Nelson Mandela archives. We’re working closely with museums, foundations and other archives around the world to make more cultural and historical material accessible online and by doing so preserve it for future generations.
You can explore the many exhibitions at www.google.com/culturalinstitute. You can also follow us on our Google+ page. What you see today is just the start, so if you’re a partner interested in contributing your own exhibitions, please fill out this form.
Each exhibition features a narrative which links the archive material together to unlock the different perspectives, nuances and tales behind these events. Among others you’ll see:
- Tragic love at Auschwitz - the story of Edek & Mala, a couple in love who try to escape Auschwitz
- Jan Karski, Humanity’s hero - first-hand video testimony from the man who attempted to inform the world about the existence of the Holocaust
- Faith in the Human Spirit is not Lost - tracing the history of Yad Vashem’s efforts to honor courageous individuals who attempted to rescue Jews during the Holocaust
- Steve Biko - a 15-year-old’s political awakening in the midst of the Apartheid movement featuring nine documents never released in the public domain before
- D-Day - details of the famous landings including colour photographs, personal letters and the D-Day order itself from Admiral Ramsay
- The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II - an account of the 1953 Coronation including colour photographs
- Years of the Dolce Vita - a look at the era of the “good life” in Italy including the fashion, food, cars and culture
The historical collections are the latest chapter in the work of the Google Cultural Institute, following the Art Project, World Wonders and the Nelson Mandela archives. We’re working closely with museums, foundations and other archives around the world to make more cultural and historical material accessible online and by doing so preserve it for future generations.
You can explore the many exhibitions at www.google.com/culturalinstitute. You can also follow us on our Google+ page. What you see today is just the start, so if you’re a partner interested in contributing your own exhibitions, please fill out this form.
Debating the future of Europe’s Single Market
“Europe wake up! We will only return to growth and prosperity if we complete the Single Market.” This motion will be debated tonight at 19:00 CET, live via Google+ Hangout on Air and on YouTube.
European Commissioner Michel Barnier will open the debate. Four EU experts - from the left and the right of the political spectrum and each with an axe to grind - will argue for and against the motion. Via Google+ Hangouts, the experts will cross-examine witnesses - including journalists, academics, economists and entrepreneurs from Ireland, Poland, Germany, France and Greece - to convince you they’re right. Veteran journalist and broadcaster Christine Ockrent will moderate.
The debate takes place just a few days before the EU marks the Single Market’s 20th anniversary. When it was launched in 1992, the Commission’s bold attempt to construct a seamless, truly tariff-free, pan-European market stimulated a wave of ‘Europtimism’. Now, with Europe facing challenging economic times, the Single Market’s importance to Europe is being re-examined.
You can have your say by voting on the motion - both before and after the debate - via youtube.com/versusdebates.
You can also join the discussion by adding your comments and questions to the +Versus Google+ page during the debate. The best questions, as decided by the debate organiser, Intelligence Squared, will be put to the panel, live on air.
European Commissioner Michel Barnier will open the debate. Four EU experts - from the left and the right of the political spectrum and each with an axe to grind - will argue for and against the motion. Via Google+ Hangouts, the experts will cross-examine witnesses - including journalists, academics, economists and entrepreneurs from Ireland, Poland, Germany, France and Greece - to convince you they’re right. Veteran journalist and broadcaster Christine Ockrent will moderate.
The debate takes place just a few days before the EU marks the Single Market’s 20th anniversary. When it was launched in 1992, the Commission’s bold attempt to construct a seamless, truly tariff-free, pan-European market stimulated a wave of ‘Europtimism’. Now, with Europe facing challenging economic times, the Single Market’s importance to Europe is being re-examined.
You can have your say by voting on the motion - both before and after the debate - via youtube.com/versusdebates.
You can also join the discussion by adding your comments and questions to the +Versus Google+ page during the debate. The best questions, as decided by the debate organiser, Intelligence Squared, will be put to the panel, live on air.
Selasa, 09 Oktober 2012
Google TechTalk: social activism and YouTube
Every month, YouTube viewers watch four billion hours of video, allowing bloggers, campaigners, vloggers and entertainers ways to reach their audience on an unprecedented scale. Many of the most popular challenge conventional wisdom and shine a spotlight on otherwise forgotten issues. Perhaps the best example is Kony2012, shown below, which highlighted the plight of child soldiers in Central Africa. It has recorded more than 93 million views and pressured governments to take action.
Hunter Walk, one of YouTube’s most senior executives, will speak in Brussels this coming Tuesday about YouTube’s emergence as a platform for social good, activism and free expression.
When: Tuesday, October 16th 2012 @ 18.00
Where: Google Brussels, Chaussée D'Etterbeek 180 | 1040 Brussels
Registration: Please register here
Need another reason to come?: Enjoy some Googley refreshments!
About our Tech Talks: Ever wondered how exactly Google is tackling the big technology problems that the online world faces? Want to take a look behind the curtain of our engineering operations and learn from the people who actually work on the Google products and services day-in, day-out? Here's your chance: The Google Brussels TechTalks.
Hunter Walk, one of YouTube’s most senior executives, will speak in Brussels this coming Tuesday about YouTube’s emergence as a platform for social good, activism and free expression.
Where: Google Brussels, Chaussée D'Etterbeek 180 | 1040 Brussels
Registration: Please register here
Need another reason to come?: Enjoy some Googley refreshments!
About our Tech Talks: Ever wondered how exactly Google is tackling the big technology problems that the online world faces? Want to take a look behind the curtain of our engineering operations and learn from the people who actually work on the Google products and services day-in, day-out? Here's your chance: The Google Brussels TechTalks.
Kamis, 04 Oktober 2012
Sweden's Gazelles go digital
“Sweden needs constant economic growth, and Swedish businesses and entrepreneurs need inspirational role models”. This is how Dagens Industri, Sweden’s biggest business daily newspaper, explains its annual Gazelle Award programme. The Gazelle, which turns 13 this year, is a high profile and prestigious initiative honouring local companies that are growing the fastest and creating the most new jobs.
This year, we’ve partnered with Dagens Industri to take the Gazelle award digital. Companies that use the Internet in an inspiring way, boosting growth or empowering other businesses, now also have a chance for recognition thanks to the new “Digital Gazelle” prize. Regional winners will be announced during the nationwide tour currently underway, with the overall winner being crowned on stage at the 2012 Gazella Gala on December 3rd in Stockholm.
The concept of a business ‘Gazelle’ was first coined by the American researcher David Birch in the 1980s. His work showed it is the small, fastest growing businesses - the “gazelles” - that create most new jobs and growth, unlike the “elephants” who often have to streamline their businesses and reduce employment.
Annually less than 0.5 percent of all Swedish companies are appointed as Gazelles. To achieve this companies must meet tough criteria, including annual turnover exceeding 10 million SEK, and a 3 year track record of strong sales growth, with turnover more than doubling in the past year. It’s no exaggeration to say all Swedish businesses strive to have a Gazelle diploma to hang on their wall.
According to BCG, the Internet economy already accounts for more than 6.6% of Sweden’s GDP and the web has proven a strong catalyst for business growth. We’re delighted to sponsor this new award to celebrate Sweden’s online successes.
The concept of a business ‘Gazelle’ was first coined by the American researcher David Birch in the 1980s. His work showed it is the small, fastest growing businesses - the “gazelles” - that create most new jobs and growth, unlike the “elephants” who often have to streamline their businesses and reduce employment.
Annually less than 0.5 percent of all Swedish companies are appointed as Gazelles. To achieve this companies must meet tough criteria, including annual turnover exceeding 10 million SEK, and a 3 year track record of strong sales growth, with turnover more than doubling in the past year. It’s no exaggeration to say all Swedish businesses strive to have a Gazelle diploma to hang on their wall.
According to BCG, the Internet economy already accounts for more than 6.6% of Sweden’s GDP and the web has proven a strong catalyst for business growth. We’re delighted to sponsor this new award to celebrate Sweden’s online successes.
Senin, 01 Oktober 2012
No chillers needed with Irish weather
For once, Ireland’s fickle weather is proving a good thing. Our new data centre in Dublin benefits from an advanced air-cooling system that uses cool Irish air to keep our computers running smoothly - and removes the need for costly and power-hungry chillers.
Located in West Dublin, the new facility has been designed to deliver lightning fast, secure online services - but not at the cost of energy-efficiency. We’re committed to carbon neutrality and over the years, have reduced our overall energy requirements to around 50% of the energy used by a typical data centre.
As a result, we can now pass on our energy savings to our users - for the same amount of energy a single small business uses to host its email locally, approximately 80 businesses could be hosted in the cloud.
Minister Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, visited the €75 million centre last week to officially open the facility. In his speech, he noted how the Irish government is committed to ambitious policies to take advantage of the country’s potential as a centre for cloud computing and the Internet - policies which would “contribute to Ireland’s economic recovery.”
Construction of the new Irish centre took just under one year to complete. More than 1,000 people working for 90 specialist building and engineering companies contributed to the build. In total approximately 400,000 man-hours were dedicated to the project. Google now employs over 2,500 people in Dublin, up from around 2000 people a year ago.
Google owns and operates energy-efficient data centres elsewhere in Europe, including Hamina in Finland and St Ghislain, in Belgium. Details of the locations of our data centres, how they work, their energy performance data, energy efficiency best practices and more can be found on our data centre website.
Located in West Dublin, the new facility has been designed to deliver lightning fast, secure online services - but not at the cost of energy-efficiency. We’re committed to carbon neutrality and over the years, have reduced our overall energy requirements to around 50% of the energy used by a typical data centre.
As a result, we can now pass on our energy savings to our users - for the same amount of energy a single small business uses to host its email locally, approximately 80 businesses could be hosted in the cloud.
Minister Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, visited the €75 million centre last week to officially open the facility. In his speech, he noted how the Irish government is committed to ambitious policies to take advantage of the country’s potential as a centre for cloud computing and the Internet - policies which would “contribute to Ireland’s economic recovery.”
Construction of the new Irish centre took just under one year to complete. More than 1,000 people working for 90 specialist building and engineering companies contributed to the build. In total approximately 400,000 man-hours were dedicated to the project. Google now employs over 2,500 people in Dublin, up from around 2000 people a year ago.
Google owns and operates energy-efficient data centres elsewhere in Europe, including Hamina in Finland and St Ghislain, in Belgium. Details of the locations of our data centres, how they work, their energy performance data, energy efficiency best practices and more can be found on our data centre website.
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