Google Wave is an innovative new technology platform unveiled at the Google I/O Developer Conference in late May.  There's been a lot of hype and uncertainty over the last few weeks over what Google Wave will actually deliver.  That's because it's very difficult to describe.  Google Wave is truly innovative and the practical applications of using the technology aren't completly apparent.

The best way I can describe it is as a real-time generalized instant messaging collaboration platform.  That needs some explaining!

By real-time, this means per keystroke/click.  Keystroke events are transmitted instantly to everyone participating in what Google calls a "wave" as they are typed.

By generalized, this means events aren't just limited to typed keys.  The "state" of anything can be transmitted to everyone as it is being updated.  For example, playing a game of chess.  A "wave" is the thing being collaborated upon.  This could range from a document, meeting request, game of chess, or anything that any group of people can work together on.  This isn't limited to just 2 people, but to any number of people.  Edits are transmitted to each participant as anyone updates.  I think of it like a chat room, but with anything being the target.  Whether that be a simple conversation or something complex like a spreadsheet.

Google has made the whole project open source and extensible.  Any developer can plug in to the platform and deveop thier own extensions.

I can see Google Wave as an MS Outlook killer.  The applications for internal company collaboration are truly stunning.  The one downside I can see is complexity.  Understaning who is seeing what and when can be daunting and perhaps lead to some very awkward issues.  Either way Google Wave is something to watch very closely.

You can check out the demo at wave.google.com.

The API is available at the Google Code Wave API.