Google turns 25: key enterprise milestones in India

On September 27, 1998, Google Inc was officially born and started a never-ending journey. It’s been 25 years since then and now the tech major is celebrating its 25th birthday on Wednesday. India has witnessed a digital revolution over the past few decades, and at the forefront of this transformation stands Google. For a quarter of a century, Google's enterprise business has been a catalyst for change in India, driving innovation and reshaping the digital landscape. Let's take a closer look at the key milestones that mark Google's incredible journey in the country:

2004: The Genesis - Google's First Indian Office in Gurgaon 

In 2004, Google took its first steps into India by opening its office in Gurgaon. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between Google and India, setting the stage for numerous future endeavors.

2006: Navigating the Way — Google Maps in India

Google Maps, the world's favorite navigation tool, was launched in India in 2006. This move revolutionized travel and location-based services in the country, making it easier for Indians to explore their own cities and beyond.

2008: Transforming Work — Google Apps in India

Google Apps, a suite of productivity tools, was introduced to Indian businesses in 2008. This transitioned the way companies worked, making collaboration more efficient and accessible than ever before.

2010: Cloud Computing for All — Google Cloud Platform in India

Google Cloud Platform arrived in India in 2010, offering businesses scalable and reliable cloud infrastructure and services. This marked a significant shift towards cloud computing in the Indian tech ecosystem.

2012: Localised Data Powerhouse — Google's First Indian Data Center in Mumbai

In 2012, Google established its first data center in India, located in Mumbai. This investment in local infrastructure was a testament to Google's commitment to data privacy and speed for Indian users.

2014: Empowering Enterprises — Google for Work in India

Google for Work, a comprehensive suite of tools for businesses, was introduced in India in 2014. This helped enterprises streamline their operations and boost productivity.

2015: Sundar Pichai takes the rein  

Indian-origin Sundar Pichai was appointed CEO of Google on August 10, 2015. Under his leadership, Google has continued to grow and innovate. He is the first Indian-born CEO of the company. Pichai is a highly respected leader in the tech industry. He is admired for his intelligence, humility, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. He is also a strong advocate for using technology to solve real-world problems.

2016: Nurturing Startups — Google Startup India

Recognizing India's burgeoning startup ecosystem, Google launched "Google Startup India" in 2016. This initiative provided startups with the resources and mentorship needed to thrive.

2018: Skill Development — Google Digital Garage in India

In 2018, Google opened the "Digital Garage" in India, a platform offering free courses on digital marketing and entrepreneurship. This empowered individuals and businesses to enhance their digital skills.

2020: Transforming Payments — Google Pay in India

Google Pay made its debut in India in 2020, changing the way Indians make payments and transactions. The app's user-friendly interface and security features made it an instant hit.

2022: Expanding Infrastructure — Second Indian Data Center in Chennai

Google continued its investment in Indian infrastructure by opening its second data center in Chennai in 2022. This step reinforced Google's commitment to data security and low-latency services.

2023: The Future Beckons — $1 billion Investment in India

In a significant move, Google announced plans to invest $1 billion in India over the next five years in 2023. This demonstrates Google's unwavering faith in India's potential as a digital powerhouse.