Google is a multinational technology corporation that specializes in internet-related services and products. These encompass online advertising technologies, search capabilities, cloud computing services, and software development. It maintains its position as the world’s most used search engine.
The majority of Google’s revenues are generated through Google Ads (formerly known as Google AdWords), its online advertising platform that places advertisements adjacent to the list of search results. Google was established by Larry Page and Sergey Brin during their time as Ph.D. students at Stanford University.
In August 2015, Google publicly announced plans to restructure its various interests under a newly formed holding company named Alphabet Inc. Google remains Alphabet’s principal subsidiary and continues to function as the overarching entity for Alphabet’s internet-based ventures.
Some of Google’s most popular products include its core search engine, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps. Google’s stated mission is: “to organize the world‘s information and make it universally accessible and useful”. This mission statement reflects its ambition to be more than just a search engine, but a comprehensive source of knowledge for everyone.