Google buys Dodgeball

Interesting deal...  Terms not announced, but my guess is that they were likely picked up on the cheap...

Google did not comment yet on their motivations, but I can think of a few possibilities:
1.) Quick way for them to gather a user base that is active and used to using text messages to distribute and gather information.
2.) Expansion of social networking into an active instead of purely passive profiling capabilitiy -- every time someone sends out a message, Google knows exactly where they are.   This adds a great deal of robustness to the profiles that Google can own on a person, as well as eliminating the need to collect information from users on a form (coming from ZoomInfo, I know how difficult this can be).
3.) Could eventually be tied to local search with a "See Who's There" capability, and even a realtime user ratings mechanism (It's bumpin' here right now...).
4.) Take this a step further, and bars/clubs/events can use this information to advertise, continuing Google's epic push in the relevant advertising space.  If your friend Jim is in a bar that you happen to be walking by, the club could serve an ad for 25% off if you come join Jim for a drink.  And 50% off if you invite 5 or more friends.

Very interesting... Google continues to think outside of the box.