So Google has bought the Excite guy’s company, JotSpot, which creates collaboration (wiki) software for documentation, project management and internet/extranet development. Here’s a Google cached JotSpot tour if you are curious.
With regards to the acquisition, when companies are purchased, it’s a lot to do with “buying” the services of the people at the helm. Google wants Joe Kraus on their team; the guy has a price so they reach a deal. Many times, the technology is secondary; in this case, who knows — but if you’re a guy with a reputation for heading erstwhile successful or highly visible ventures, there will be demand for you. Strong demand. So it’s all a matter of determining how many million (or billion) will be thrown your way before you acquiesce and join the team. Not that it would take much convincing.
You just gotta love how high tech business works.
< Thank you San Francisco Chronicle for the pics! >
To be honest, I was very surprised when I first read about the acquisition. Initially, it made no sense at all - however, as Peat pointed out at his blog (http://peat.wordpress.com/), by acquiring JotSpot, Google bought the last element they need to eventually roll out a business suite.