Google improves webstat by Measure Map acquisition
For quite some time, I wanted to write what Google Analytics could improve to make it more useful. Google beat me to it. They just acquired Measure Map for an undisclosed price.
Jeff Veen sent out an email to all Measure Map testers (including justaddwater.dk). From the email that Jeff sent out:
So I said there was news, and here it is: I’m writing you to announce that Measure Map has been acquired by Google, effective today. For the near term, you will see no difference in its operations. In the not so distant future, you can expect great things from this acquisition. We couldn’t be happier to find such an ideal home for Measure Map, and are thrilled at the possibilities.
While this is a milestone for all of us at Adaptive Path, this sale does not affect how we operate, nor will it alter the structure of the Adaptive Path organization. Adaptive Path is still here, stronger than ever, and it will be for a long time to come. Above all, we remain committed to the principle that superior user experience inspires innovation and creates business advantage.
Previously, I have complained about lacking features of Google Analytics, when Jared Spool suggested us to take a look on Measure Map. We’re using both Measure Map and Google Analytics on these pages, and it’s surprising how different they are.
But there’s surprisingly little details about what will happen. A number of questions arise in my head:
- Will Google improve Google Analytics by adding features from Measure Map?
- Will Measure Map and Google Analytics co-exist as different products aimed at two different target groups: Bloggers vs. commercial sites?
- How can Jeff claim (in the email) that Adaptive Path continues in the same spirit, and on the other hand say that he’s now a Google Employee? (
I wonder if wearing this is too much for my first day at Google?
) - How will Adaptive Path spend the money earned? I kind of think these guys are not just retiring. There might be something else on their radar?
And of course the obvious:
- How long will Measure Map stay in closed alpha-testing?
- When is it ready for beta, or even ready for public launch?
Also, I think it’s worth noting that it’s only 3 months since Google Analytics launched. At that time, attention was drawn at whether MeasureMap had a market when Google Analytics were free. Techcrunch Google Analytics Swings at Measure Map is a good example.
It seems a very smart move for both companies. So I guess the old saying goes: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!
More info:
- Google Blog: Here comes Measure Map
- Adaptive Path: Measure Map Goes to Google
- Techcrunch: Google Buys MeasureMap
Technorati Tags: web stats, web statistics, measure map, google analytics
