This might be the most exciting technological development since email. I’m truly impressed at Google’s approach to this project. It gives me newfound faith in Google.

The guys behind Google Maps set out to answer the question “What would email look like if it were invented today?”

Their answer is truly outstanding. Wave is a collaborative communication tool. Something like email crossed with a wiki, instant messaging client, and much, much more. As I watched the video I was thinking, all well and good, but when I got to around 1 hour 8 minutes, I got really excited. In a truly genius move, Google has made the whole protocol behind this new platform open source. That allows independent organisations to build their own Wave servers, and privacy is tightly coded within the system. No Google snooping. Wow.

If you’re technically minded, watch the video here. I’m not embedding the video because it’s 1 hour 20 minutes long and you probably want to watch it in high def on YouTube directly. See more info and sign up for a demo account on Google Wave here.

I was clapping with the audience as the video ends. Truly amazing. Thanks to Pete Mall for the tip.