Search engine giant Google, which is in the process of creating more than 200 jobs in Dublin, has ventured into the world of hardware with a new search product for small businesses.
The company this week unveiled the Mini, a hardware product developed to help small businesses add search to their public websites and help employees to find information more quickly on their company network.
Google already makes a certain amount of revenue from sales of its Google Search Appliance to businesses. The Google Search Appliance, which costs anything from US$32,000 to US$500k is capable of searching more than 15 million documents.
However, it is envisaged that the Mini will be a pared down version capable of searching only 50,000 documents and will sell for less than US$5,000.
In recent months Google opened its new 60,000sq ft Barrow Street HQ which, already employing 150 people, is ahead of target to create 240 jobs within three years.
It is understood that Google’s Dublin operation is currently in talks with MediaLab Europe about engaging in joint research and development activities.
Since it opened its doors in April last year with just five employees, Google’s Dublin has built a team of more than 150 people, from Ireland as well as 35 countries, speaking 35 languages.
When the company floated on the New York Stock Exchange in August, Google sold 19.6 million shares at US$85 each in the biggest initial public offering so far by an internet company.
By John Kennedy
