Shortly After Writely: Google Acquires SketchUp (Link)

Another day, another tool to be purchased by Google. Just yesterday I was talking about Google acquiring Writely. I have seen the Power Point presentation partially presented by Dr. Eric Schmidt talking about keeping users busy and attracting them with new products. I didn't expect that things are moving so fast in Googleplex. Today, Google announced acquiring SketchUp which owns @Last Software tool for creating, viewing, and modifying 3D ideas quickly and easily.



How did it all start? This is the story according to SketchUp, "We got to know a bunch of Googlers while we were building the Google Earth Plugin for SketchUp, and it quickly became apparent that we could really stir things up together. At first, it was kind of hard to imagine; after all, we'd been blazing our own trail for so long. But after we kicked it around awhile, it started to seem right. One thing led to another, and here we are. This is one of those wonderful win-win situations; it would have been impossible for us to feel good about this acquisition if we didn't feel our culture, our users and our mission would be in good hands."

Currently, the software costs $495. Would Google make it free fo everyone like all other Google products? I truely hope so ...

Read Also:
A new home for @Last Software (Google Blog)
SketchUp Press Release
Google acquires @Last Software (ZDNet)