Handling of Google Voice reminds AT&T vet of Ma Bell

Google has made numerous product announcements over the past several months: Google Wave, Google Voice, the Chrome web browser and now its new Chrome operating system. Paltalk's July Shaprio, who did a long stint at AT&T, has an interesting piece taking a look specifically at Google's treatment of the old Grand Central. Since it's outside of Google's "core competency," the acquisition, its handling, and Google's "public [1]" launch of Google Voice reminds her of some of the original Bell company's moves into the home security and PC markets in the 1990s.

With all the buzz [2], questions [3], and skepticism surrounding Google Voice, it's a worthwhile read.

For more:
- see Shapiro's piece at AdAge here [4]