Google+ use skyrockets, says report

30.07.2012

First, Facebook's IPO as industry and financial analysts had expected. While the company's stock opened at $38 a share, it was expected to soar to $50, $60 or even $90 a share. That did not happen. As of 2:30 ET on Monday, Facebook's stock was trading at $23.30.

Late last week, during Facebook's first quarterly earnings call , the a loss of $157 million for the quarter ended June 30. However, Facebook also boosted revenue by 32% in its first earnings report, bringing in $1.18 billion and just topping analysts' expectations.

With mixed financial results and a lower-than-expected IPO, Facebook has lost some its luster, opening the door to competitors, Kerravala said.

"People trying out Google+ certainly create a threat to Facebook," he added. "There might be a bit of the alternate coolness factor here, too. Where the masses use Facebook, some people wanting an edgy alternate turn to Google+. Who wants to be on a social networking site with your parents and little siblings?"

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at , on or subscribe to . Her email address is .