Google and T-Mobile in a Deal for the New Google Phone?

With its shares getting ready to pass $700 per share (it hit $600 less than a month ago), Google announced that it plans to unveil its new mobile phone in the next few weeks with the phones going on sale in mid-2008. Much like Apple’s iPhone has a deal with AT&T, it has also been rumored that Google will partner with wireless operator T-Mobile USA (see John Leitzig’s article from MarketWatch.com). We decided to create an IntellectSpace Knowledge Map to determine if any corporate ties between Google and T-Mobile might have played a role in allowing them to formulate a deal (Note: the information contained and presented in Knowledge Maps is public information from the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America).

After viewing the Knowledge Map we find that the strongest tie is through palmOne. Google Director John Doerr was a Director at palmOne from at least 2004 to early 2007. While at palmOne he worked alongside Susan Swenson, former COO at T-Mobile USA and a Director at palmOne from 1999 to at least late 2006. Given Swenson’s senior position at T-Mobile, she likely retains important contacts that could have played a role in setting up initial negotiations if she was approached by Doerr or Google.

Another interesting tie involves Stanford University. It is well known that Google Founders Lawrence Page and Sergey Brin are both graduates of Stanford’s engineering school. However, it is also important to note that Stanford University President John Hennessy is also currently a Director at Google. Dr. Hennessy has also held the positions of Provost of Stanford University, Dean of the School of Engineering, and Chair of the Department of Computer Science. Undoubtedly Dr. Hennessy has strong overlapping ties that run through Stanford, such as alumni ties, and most likely retains contact with prevalent alumni through these ties.

While these ties did not seal the deal on their own (if a deal has been sealed), they do provide a starting point for Google and T-Mobile to start negotiations.

Click here for an interactive version of this IntellectSpace Knowledge Map (Internet Explorer browsers only): http://nv.intellectspace.com/ispace/GuestMonitor.aspx?id=4cf7f2d9-89b8-4138-b776-b3c1ba949946

Comments

[guy who knows]

Here is the real relationship angle to this deal:
Sideckick founder creates android

Sidekick founder hires longtime T-Mobile VP as part of staff ( favor for helping sidekick survive? ) - nope actually hes just a smart guy!

SideKick Founder sell android to his google buddy

Ex: T-Mobile VP? now a Google guy stays on and sells the hell out of Android to his old buddies at TMO

end of story

oh - why dont we call this mobileos2 - its dead on arrival as a platform