I've been following the news about the Google Wave platform, and really believe it will change the way we communicate online. In essence, Google Wave is an in- browser communication tool which allows real- time, live communication through email. It was developed in Sydney by Stephanie Hannon and the brothers Lars and Jens Rasmussen who are more well- known for being the brains behind Google Maps.

The question that drove them was why there was such division between the various communication tools online. Why couldn’t there be one seamless solution that could combine chat, email, document sharing and blogging. After some brainstorming and developing for 2 years, Google Wave was previewed to the world. In the video below, Lars Rasmussen explains how the Google Wave project began.

Google Wave Combines IM and Email

Wave offers numerous features (which I will mention) but the one that is attracting all the attention is the way Wave combines IM and email. This may sound familiar to those who used Google Talk in the side bar from their Gmail site but Wave seems to take things to another level.

Screenshot by Rafe Needleman/CNET

Users are able to thread their conversations in the message instead of hitting the reply button. Incorporating one of the main features of Wave enables people to see what changes have been made as well as being able to edit in real time. You are also able to add contacts to your mail or chat by dragging and dropping their image into the message box. This also applies to adding images, documents or audio.

Mashable.com list the following "6 Game Changing Features of Google Wave”:

• Wiki- style functionality
• Wave Extensions
• Drag- and- drop file uploads
• Wave embeds
• Playback
• Open- source

Why I Care

On a personal level I have to point out that Google Wave, if adopted by clients and agencies, would benefit both parties in a way that is unimaginable. If we could communicate with clients in real time, turnaround times could be faster as it would eliminate numerous phone calls, table tennis emails and any changes to work. Feedback would be instant and guidance precise.

As a Social Media tool, Google Wave is a gift from the powers that be. Instead of opening up your email app, loading your IM, setting up your RSS feeds, using your Flickr upload tool and uploading to your various blogs, integrating all your contacts and members into one app is way better than sliced bread. Uploading your blog for people to see instantly and then being able to view comments live initiates the all important conversation with your readers. The question I ask is how long it will be until we all understand and adopt the opportunities Google Wave has created for us. Your thoughts?