From inside google – the Google Secure Access client. This connects you to a Google-run Virtual Private Network. It’s Windows XP and Windows 2000 only at the moment – though techlife couldn’t get it to install.
Apparently, it’s a Google engineers 20% project.;
One of our engineers recognized that secure WiFi was virtually non-existent at most locations. As a result, he used his 20% project time to begin an initiative to offer users more secure WiFi access. Google Secure Access is the result of this endeavor.
If you choose to use Google Secure Access, your internet traffic will be encrypted and sent through Googles servers to the Internet. The data that is received will then be encrypted and sent back through our servers to your computer. Your privacy is important to us, we strongly encourage you to read our Privacy Policy to be fully informed about how your privacy is protected.
On the surface, routing massive net traffic through Googles servers is a huge financial undertaking. What, if anything, do they get out of it ? One conclusion is that Google is trying to get its hands on more of your internet traffic for data collection purposes.
Many people saw this as the motive behind Web Accelerator, and theythe net freaked out. Ultimately, Web Accelerator was pulled. Google Secure Access would provide similar benefits for Google as Web Accelerator did, with fewer of the negatives, and the added plus of a ‘free’ VPN service.
One less paranoid explanation also exists (from inside google) is that this program may just be designed to make Google’s own WiFi locations secure (I had no idea there were Google wi-fi locations – are they private or public ?), and not truly meant for the general public.
EDIT: – from zdnet – And now, without further ado: the Google PC;
With Google SAN, it’s irrelevant where you are – sufficient bandwidth and you can work on any server you have access to. Whatever your client operating system.
1. Comment by James
Saturday, September 24th, 2005 09:56 am GMT +8 at 9:56 am
Desktop search, Picassa, Web Accelerator …. it’s hard to tell where it’s all going to end.
Yahoo is a distant second in terms of web empire building. Microsoft would like to own it, but it’s really Google’s game. Use all these services and not only will Google know what you’re doing with your computer at all times, but will be able to record, analyze and share every key stroke.
2. Comment by Scott Kingery
Monday, September 26th, 2005 02:02 pm GMT +8 at 2:02 pm
I should update my post…I finally did get it to install a day or so later on a different maching. Looking at the download I don’t think the whole thing came through that first night. Probably something with Google’s servers.
No matter what happens, this is going to be an interesting thing to watch unfold.