Google Public Alerts

    I've always thought of Google as one of the most innovative companies in the world...and more often than not its innovation is used to make the world a better place. I know it might sound a little corny here, but I truly believe this.
    

This post is not, nor intended to be, a history of Google, but let me me give you a couple of examples of Google's "innovations". Innovations I feel have improved the quality of everyone's life.

      First is Google Books. This is an amazing project with the loft objective of scanning every book in the world and making them available to all of us.

     Then there is Google Earth, a comprehensive mapping of most of the world.

     And let's not forget Google Street View. This incredible technology provides 360 degree photographs of many of the streets and neighborhoods of the world.

    These are just a few of the "innovations" I am talking about. 

    Sure, I realize some of Google's "innovation" were originally developed by other companies and later purchased by Google, but the power of the search giant's name advanced their use and further development.

    This week, Google once again released another "innovation" designed to improve the quality of life. It is called Google Public Alerts. Public Alerts was originally scheduled to be released later this year, but Hurricane Sandy changed that. As a public service Google announced the availability of Google Public Alerts early to help disseminate information during the recent monster storm. Google Public Alerts also include Amber Alerts, another excellent public service. 

     Google tied the public alerts into its search engine...so when you type "Lowell" or a related topic, if an Amber Alert is active in the city's vicinity a message box appears at the top of the page with the alert. Think of it, with the incredible popularity of google, millions of people are notice of the alert quickly.

     Google Public Alerts...great idea, great public service.