Digital toolbox
Everyone has their favorite tools they use to be more productive. I use tools like Gmail, Evernote, Basecamp, Highrise, Buffer, Hootsuite, Tungle, Paymo and many others. One danger in the world of software is that your tool could be purchased by a larger company. What’s wrong with being bought out you might ask? In today’s climate the people are often more valuable than the tool they created so the tool can die in the acquisition.
image via sprw.me
This week a company called Sparrow was purchased by Google. Google has $43 billion in cash so the purchase of the company for under $25 million wasn’t a huge investment for the search giant. The bad news is that Sparrow as it exists today will likely be as good as it ever gets. Google wanted to develop and invest in the talented people who built Sparrow more than the tool that is Sparrow. I’ve used Sparrow a few times but I never took the plunge to use it as my full email client. I’m glad I didn’t because as of yesterday my client would have been cut off from future development.
The real reason we’re upset about Sparrow’s acquisition
via – http://www.elezea.com/
Why Google or Facebook Buying Your Favorite Startup Means It’s Probably Toast
via Time.com’s Techland
Read more: http://techland.time.com/2012/07/20/why-google-or-facebook-buying-your-favorite-startup-means-its-probably-toast/#ixzz21IMQFWiS
Let this story serve as a reminder to think through which services you rely on for your digital work. I rely heavily on Tungle for scheduling appointments with clients. They were acquired by RIM (makers of Blackberry) a few years ago and while they have developed steadily I can’t say it’s comforting to know that one of my most important business tools is owned by such a struggling company like RIM.
What’s the lesson?
The lesson here is to think through the tools you use and either bet on the big boys (Google, Apple etc) or be prepared to use a different tool someday. Do you know if you can export your data from your tool and import it somewhere else? It’s an important question to ask.
My name is Andy Traub and I help people tell their stories in a way that maximizes their impact. If you'd like to create your own custom channel to reach the world then I can help. Just 
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting post Andy. As far as Sparrow goes (keep in mind I’m not a Sparrow user) I saw this as a good thing because I’m hoping to see Sparrow replace Gmail’s iOS app in the future. We’ll see…
I think you nailed it when talking about the export/import options for your data. I’m okay using Sparrow because I know it’s really just a face for my email. I can always take my Gmail account and use another app or something.
Now if something ever happens to Gmail, that’ll be an interesting move to somewhere else.
Tempted to delete your comment Chase. The idea of Gmail going away makes me freak out a bit. Not gonna happen! (I hope). SO you use Sparrow. How do you feel about the service now?
I’m still good with Sparrow and their team. I got the app when it went on sale right before Google snapped them up. I paid a fix price for the app as it was right then. If it was an ongoing subscription, I’d have been… not as thrilled.
But as it is, it’s solid and does what I need it to. And I’ll keep using it for as long as I can.