Google began as a search engine project in 1996. It now has over 200 million daily users and $89.46 billion in annual revenue. Google's initial business model involved licensing its search technology, but it later adopted a paid listings model where advertisers pay for placement. This allows users, content providers, and advertisers to connect via Google's platform. Key factors in Google's success include its talent recruitment, innovation culture, and strategic applications like AdWords which monetized search rankings. The case study provided insight into Google's evolution and the paid listings business model that generates most of its revenue.