Will Google Wave compete for SharePoint marketshare?

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Google Wave is a collaboration platform introduced in May 2009 by Google.  It is a web based communication and collaboration tool that is in beta at the time of this entry.  The focal point and container for information sharing within the tools interface is called a "Wave".  Google describes Waves as "equal parts conversation and document".  Google Wave, developed by the same team that created Google Maps, will likely be shared as an open-source platform for ISPs and corporations to use as a communications standard.  The vision is that Wave could replace email.

So where do the comparisons to SharePoint come from? Well, as I recall, SharePoint is labeled as a "collaboration portal".  That's certainly what Wave is or will be.  There are differences, however, At least for now.  For one, SharePoint's abilities provide for centralized administration of component web parts that can be plugged into developed sites.  This is different from the theme of Wave which centers around the wave object.  So there are differences and, at least for now, perhaps Wave should strike comparisons with Outlook rather than SharePoint.

There is certainly good reason to watch Wave closely for those that are interested in business collaboration and enterprise content management. For one, Wave is a federated platform designed at the core for message collaboration across boundaries.  Sound more like Exchange?  Perhaps, but this platform provides for very impressive collaborative features and the promise of future extensions that will meet many business objectives.  Anyone that has viewed the hour and twenty minute presentation video from Google IO knows what I am talking about.  Check it out.  Or should I say, "catch the wave".  http://wave.google.com/help/wave/about.html#video