With 600 consultants that is $9M per consultant. I realize they analysts and other staff, but compared to other consulting acquisitions which are often <$500k per consultant. Consultants are notoriously difficult to retain and often clash with new cultures. This time is obviously incredibly specialized which makes them different and I'm sure Google made sure there are strong retention bonuses, but it is a pretty incredible price.
Glad I never used it. Now it's the time to start migrating away, Google will make it:<p>- more expensive<p>- more bloated<p>all while making it:<p>- less useful<p>- dumbed down<p>and in the end<p>- retire it with a short notice.