Office's Space - Starring: Google

Google has released a Premier version of their Apps program for businesses. Google Apps are Google powered services/features you can add to your website. Basically Google Apps consist of popular Google applications like Gmail, Calendar and Spreadsheets that you could add to your site for the benefit of your users.

I’ve looked at OpenOffice. Thing is, it isn’t as easy, and it requires more maintenance and upkeep. Think about it this way: when versions or compatibility issues change or emerge, do I want to have my IT staff get that all worked out in all the OpenOffice installs on every workstation in the office?  Or... would I prefer to just let Google take care of that for me and go on with my day? That’s an easy one.

The fact that OpenOffice is free and open source supported doesn’t necessarily make it an attractive alternative to businesses. If companies aren’t paying anybody for it, who are they going to call and hold accountable if and when they have a problem? The open source community? I’m sorry. It’s a nice thought, really, but open source office software will never, ever, ever, ever become a threat to Microsoft in the business world.

The Microsoft/Google dynamic has certainly been interesting to watch over the past 3 or 4 years. To me, the race has shaped up to be; can Microsoft become a leading player in Google’s search business before Google can become a leading player in Microsoft’s Office business. I did quick check of prices for Microsoft’s newest Office and while I’m sure most businesses can find better deals on it than I can, I’m not seeing anything in the neighborhood of $50. If Google can make Apps a real alternative for businesses – at that kind of price point, with Google-level uptime, and product support, then February 22, 2007 could be the answer to all kinds geek trivia questions in a few years.

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