Skunk Works

Taken from:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/359534/When_IT_Gets_to_Play?source=CTWNLE_nlt_dailyam_2011-12-05

Skunk works are places where staff are encouraged to play. (Meaningful play that is ...)

Google Labs has been known for creating new ideas as well as Apple. This article mentions several examples, but largely looks at the success NASA's Jet Propulsion labs has had with their skunk works.

The concept is that it is a place to try (and fail if that happens) - to try out new technologies, see what might give a company or organization a competition advantage.

If you want to try some of Google's new ideas you might like this link: http://www.google.com/experimental/