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Google acquires ITA Software

googleblog.blogspot.com

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Re: Google acquires ITA Software

#11

Post by neutronicus »

cpr wrote: post #5
neutronicus wrote: post #2

I wonder if the Common Lisp codebase will survive the acquisition?

Google higher-ups strike me as not so dumb that they'd misunderstand the crucial nature of that code...

The DOJ's conditions also seem to tie their hands a bit as far as what changes they can make with ITA's software, I realize.

Re: Google acquires ITA Software

#12

Post by cryptoz »

travisglines wrote: post #7
calpaterson wrote: post #6

Hipmunk might be in trouble.

Today feels like Google (attempt of) squashing YCombinator startups day. First they're doing Youtube Live -> Justin.tv etc. Then better flight search -> Hipmunk

It could also be viewed as epic validation that the ideas are gold. I most certainly believe Hipmunk can compete against Google; the team is completely awesome and they're far more nimble and agile. Although Google does have an unbeatable vision of Maps I'd imagine...there's no real reason you shouldn't be able to get bus times and airplane times in the same place. And perhaps if you could then pay for the bus and the plane using your Android NFC...

Oh jeez. I love the future.

Re: Google acquires ITA Software

#14

Post by eddmc »

There is some commentary on the terms that the Department of Justice have put on the deal here: http://www.tnooz.com/2011/04/08/news/google-ita-software-dea...

In brief:

- Google will be required to license QPX software to airfare websites on commercially reasonable terms.

- Google will be required to continue to fund research and develop the product “at least” at similar levels to what ITA had invested.

- Google will be required to develop and offer ITA’s InstaSearch product to other travel websites.

Re: Google acquires ITA Software

#16

Post by skymt »

runevault wrote: post #8

I'm sort of surprised this went through since their advantage in search mixed with the power ITA has within their field leads to very powerful mix that could put competitors at a serious disadvantage. Maybe the DoJ saw something I did not to make it less of a problem, but even as a google fan it's... ungh. I don't like this going through.

The key was Google's agreement to continue licensing QPX on “fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms”. According to the linked Justice Department press release, they're also required to continue development of the publicly-available version of QPX.

Re: Google acquires ITA Software

#18

Post by maayank »

How cool would it be if you could type "flights to somewhere sunny for under $500 in May"

How cool would it be to receive suggestions for flights in May with clusters in my social graph as destinations?

Re: Google acquires ITA Software

#19

Post by diegob »

neutronicus wrote: post #11
cpr wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Google higher-ups strike me as not so dumb that they'd misunderstand the crucial nature of that code...

The DOJ's conditions also seem to tie their hands a bit as far as what changes they can make with ITA's software, I realize.

Do you have a link? This seems interesting.
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