Be the first to grab hold of new technologies - but keep them at arms length.

Google has recently announced that they have released Google search for IPv6. This is an interesting move. While perhaps not as critical as putting a king in checkmate in the game of chess. It is rather part of the constant moves you would expect from a company with the resources of Google.

For a small business, it is difficult to stay on top of tech and make sure you are always using the latest and greatest. That's ok. You don't need to use the latest and greatest. The Y2K scare illustrated how many big businesses were using antiquated systems for their day to day operations. The important thing, is that you stay aware of the big technologies that will impact your product and market. By spending a little time (a few hours a month) reading trade journals, blog articles, news feeds, etc... You will be able to see where your industry is going, and make sure you move with the industry, instead of following it close behind.

While Google could no doubt survive on IPv4 for a long long time. By ensuring their original marketing tool Search, is available on IPv6 well before the world is wanting it they are ensuring that they will continue to always be available wherever you are.

Official Google Blog: Looking towards IPv6