[axyjo]

This is a big move, which might also possibly help with EU anti-trust accusations by splitting up the big-ol' monolithic GOOG into functionally separate units.

[tptacek]

Did I miss something in the announcement? When people say that Google is "monolithic", they're saying that Google contains Youtube (#1 video site), search (#1 search), Android (#1 mobile OS), maps (#1 map site), Gmail (#1 email site?), and G+ (Facebook competitor). These companies appear to remain inside the Google corporation after the "restructuring", and so this doesn't ameliorate any of EU's concerns.

I think this is more about changing what Larry and Sergey do all day.

[tyingq]

"so this doesn't ameliorate any of EU's concerns"

The announcement seems deliberately vague. You're right in that it doesn't specifically address the EU concerns, but it creates a structure where that's easier to do.

[btian]

You forgot Chrome - #1 web browser

[seiji]

I think this is more about changing what Larry and Sergey do all day.

This is in line with their prior strategery of continually maneuvering towards "give us more authority but no responsibility."

[tyingq]

I would go one further, and say that's the primary motivator. Preemptive restructuring.

[tedunangst]

Although what often happens is that now divisions compete against either in suboptimal ways. Search and Maps are separate? Great, until Search decides maps are really cool and starts building their own version, again. It takes a strong hand at the top to prevent division heads from viewing their peers as rivals.

[noelsusman]

I'm pretty sure Search and Maps will still be operating under the Google organization. They're just spinning off their more "wacky" projects that aren't directly related to Internet technology.

[wineisfine]

Right, this is the real reason this is happening. Anticipating and staying 1 step ahead.

[_pdp_]

I also think this is the case :)

[ocdtrekkie]

I would hope the EU can see right through transparent moves like this, but I suspected this as well.