Google's Really Simple Synergy

Remember back when you first started using email? You likely had an account with a local ISP that charged online usage by the minute routed through a voiceband modem. Those were probably unpleasant memories that created a usability barrier around the Internet.

Oh, how times have changed.

Since Microsoft (MSFT - commentary - Cramer's Take) purchased Hotmail in 1997, much has changed in the Internet usage game. Now you can have integrated browser chat with your email, send larger attachments and never have to worry that your free account will fill up.

We are currently on the verge of the mass adoption of another technology that portends to be even more empowering to the end-user than email. The technology is called "RSS" and look for Google (GOOG - commentary - Cramer's Take) to develop it into another growth revenue stream.

The Future of Information Delivery

RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, has a real shot in the coming years to completely disrupt how we obtain and process information. RSS is built from XML, a software language much like HTML that is unique in its ability to tag and distribute data. Essentially, RSS works like a "feed" that you subscribe to.

Think about your websurfing habits. Like most people, you probably consistently go to the same websites and the same sections on those websites to consume content.

Now think about your email inbox. Again, you probably have colleagues and family members that you connect with daily, some less frequently and a few sparingly. It would be silly to go to a different site to read the emails from each separate person right? Instead, all your messages are delivered to a central repository, where you can read and respond at your leisure. This is exactly what RSS seeks to accomplish, but with all the information across the entire Internet.

That orange button with the white lines in your address bar? That is RSS. Click on it, and you are prompted for where you want your feeds delivered. You have the option of getting them in a browser-based application, like Google Reader, or desktop app, like Newsfire.

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At the time of publication, the firm in which Willard is a partner was net long Microsoft and Google, although positions can change at any time and without notice.

Cody Willard is the manager of CL Willard Capital Management, LLC. He is a regular guest on Fox News, CNBC and other networks, and he writes a monthly column for the Financial Times. He is also an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University and the author of TheCodyReport.net, a monthly stock market newsletter. Willard appreciates your feedback -- click here to send him an email.