Microsoft is aggressively moving into Google's traditional turf, making its own search engine to challenge the Internet search king. But now, Google is advancing toward Microsoft's territory.
In fact, it's about seven miles away.
Google will hold an event at its new software development office in downtown Kirkland this week to mark its recent arrival in the city. The company has leased and reserved future rights for enough space to eventually accommodate 200 employees or more on two floors of an office building a short walk from Peter Kirk Park.
The company has a sales office in Seattle, but the opening of a development branch on the Eastside is fueling speculation about the possible impact on the local technology community. Much of the buzz centers on the potential for the high-flying search company to lure top talent from Microsoft and other tech companies in the region.
Several former Microsofties have been hired by Google in recent months, prior to the office opening, including veterans of the Internet Explorer and Windows teams.
There are fundamental differences between the companies that could factor into the recruiting picture. Microsoft, approaching its 30th birthday, has seen its stock price remain relatively flat in recent years. And some employees openly complained when the company trimmed benefits earlier this year to contain costs and boost profits.
Google, in contrast, has a soaring stock, a maverick reputation and a less-structured environment for development. The Mountain View, Calif., company was founded in 1998 -- a mere six years ago.
The idea of working for Google will "definitely appeal to some people," said Greg Linden, a former Amazon.com software engineer who now runs a Seattle-based personalized news search site called Findory.com.
But while the existence of a nearby office might make it easier for Google to attract new employees from its emerging Redmond rival, there appears to be more to the move than that.
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