The Experts
 |
Shane O'Neill came to CXO Media, publisher of CIO magazine and CIO.com, after stints at TechTarget, where he (somewhat reluctantly) covered the storage industry and Ziff Davis Media, where he was an online editor for Eweek. He has also worked at Boston.com and AOL and has written freelance stories for The Boston Globe and Commonwealth magazine. Shane currently covers Microsoft, focusing on news analysis stories about all things Windows. |
Microsoft Office vs. Google Apps: The Business Brawl
Google Apps may not be a true threat to Microsoft's enterprise business now, but Google's cloud-based productivity apps have forced Microsoft to tinker with Office, a key part of its business model. Both rivals face mighty challenges in the valuable battle for Web apps in the enterprise.
Mon, May 10, 2010
CIO — In the business battle to rule the enterprise office suite of the future, Microsoft (MSFT) and Google (GOOG) both must overcome significant problems.
On Google's side, despite the Google Apps price advantage and Google's announcement that 2 million companies are now using Google Apps, various research data still shows Google is losing out in the enterprise. Google Apps adoption not only lags way behind Microsoft but also trails behind OpenOffice and even IBM's (IBM) Lotus Symphony. Estimated revenue for Google Apps in 2009 is $50 million, a tiny portion of the company's $22 billion war chest.
Microsoft, meanwhile, must be competitive with Web apps — but not too competitive, since these apps will presumably drive much less revenue than its longtime cash cow, the traditional Microsoft Office suite. In fiscal year 2009, Microsoft's business division (of which Office is a major component) generated a healthy $18.9 billion in revenue. Microsoft must also convince customers that it "gets" cloud computing the way that Google does.
If anyone has the cash and the consumer branding power to take on Microsoft, it's Google, analysts say. But there's still plenty of explaining to do.
Web Apps By the Numbers
The enterprise today is offered a plethora of productivity tools: There is the big horse, Microsoft Office, followed by lower-cost or free alternatives such as IBM's Lotus Symphony and Web-only products Google Apps and Zoho's Office Suite, among others.
Yet although the Web browser may be the most prevalent computing platform for both consumers and businesses, enterprise use of cloud-based alternatives compared to Microsoft Office remains low, according to recent data from Forrester Research.
[ For complete coverage of the Cloud App Wars -- including a complete guide to the business war, the competing products including Google Docs and Office 2010, the implications for users and IT, and more -- see CIO.com's Cloud App Wars Bible. ]
In a March survey of 115 North American and European enterprise and SMB technology decision-makers, Forrester cites that 81 percent are currently supporting Office 2007 — while only 4 percent are using Google Apps.
Moreover, despite Office 2010's higher price than current alternatives, one-third of survey respondents plan to upgrade to Office 2010 in the next year and one-quarter plan to upgrade in the next two to three years.
So does Google Apps stand a chance against Microsoft Office in the enterprise? Maybe not right away, but Google is in a good position to advance as the enterprise shifts to the Web, say industry analysts.
Read the rest of the article at cio.com
_____________________________________
 |
Jon Brodkin is a senior editor at Network World, covering cloud computing, virtualization, Google, open source, social networking, and the enterprise data center. |
Google Apps Basics
Here's what you need to know about Google Apps
April 28, 2010
NetworkWorld – Google would like you to believe that its hosted e-mail and office productivity tools are just as good as Microsoft's. While that's probably not the case yet, Google Apps is a valid and inexpensive alternative to Microsoft Office for many types of customers. Here's what you need to know about Google Apps.
Key components: Google Apps includes all the major applications businesses need to collaborate: e-mail, calendaring, a word processor and several other Web tools. Gmail for business users provides 25GB of storage, spam blocking, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Google Calendar includes the ability to compare multiple calendars to determine optimal meeting times; integration with e-mail and other calendar apps; shared project calendars; access on mobile devices; and ability to publish calendars on Web sites. Google Docs provides word processing, spreadsheets and presentation creating tools, all hosted online, with the ability for administrators to manage file sharing permissions. Google Postini provides hosted e-mail security and archiving for Gmail.
More Apps include Google Groups, for mailing lists, content sharing and searchable archives; Google Sites, a Web site creation tool for people who lack knowledge of coding and HTML; and Google Video, a private video sharing service for internal communications such as corporate announcements.
Read the rest of the review at networkworld.com
_________________________
 |
Kevin Tea is a journalist and marketing communications specialist. He has worked with some of the leading blue chip companies across the world. He has worked closely with a virtual network of serviced office providers called the Global Office Network. He was a contributing author to Webweaving, where Bill Gates also contributed. He currently follows the web2.0 collaboration market at web2andmore.net. |
Google Apps – The Missing Manual – Book Review
June 3, 2010
Web2andmore.net – Google Apps is easy to use. There is something about the Zen Minimalist interface that encourages you to use it, play with it, dig down into it and feel comfortable. Online there is a plethora of support from Google Groups to FAQs galore and there is the inevitable collection of books ranging from the simplistic Google Apps For Totally Thick Bastards to some more specialist material that delves deep into the dark and arcane heart of the service. Sitting in the middle of these offerings is Google Apps – The Missing Manual by Nancy Conner published by Pogue Press/O’Reilly.
Back in 2008 when the book was first written, it must have seemed a good idea at the time, but with the rapid development of the various services made available by The Big G, it is nigh impossible for a book to keep up to date. Indeed, there are some functions explained within the book that no longer exist and others that have changed beyond all recognition. Having said that it is still an excellent introduction that deserves to be slipped into a briefcase when on a long journey or when staying in a hotel and to browse through.
___________________________
Wow that is an very helpful article . I like your wordpress blog. Maybe you should write more articles of these type.
Great Article Keep vertical the spiritual work!
I believe you have a super page here… i just happened to find it doing a bing search. anyway, excellent post.. i’ll be bookmarking this page for certain.
I m not going to say what every user has just said, but I do want to comment on your knowledge of the topic , i can say you’re truly well informed .
The particular surgical treatment will be commonly completed below often typical or area what about anesthesia ?. This is not just based upon your physician, even now for the opportunity with the breast lift on their own. Precisely how intense the actual function will be will certainly see how many incisions are necessary precisely what lengthy they’ll has to be, which will of course influence recovery and in addition damage.
Awesome Work
Great Piece
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same theme if you’re interested.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous web site. Best wishes,
Thank you for taking the time to discuss this particular, I feel highly about this and love learning more on this particular topic. If at all possible, while you acquire expertise, would you thoughts upgrading your site with more info? It is very helpful for me.
Hello i try to spread out your blog in firefox and its looks humorous, i tink the issue is from your web hosting ,or maybe from me but nonetheless you have a nice setup for that ads, we writing in this post because you might find it when you’re grading remarks, Keep up the great function Andrei from Romania.
wheres your feed? probably hidden in basic sight understanding me lol.
Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity for your publish is simply cool and that i could think you are a professional in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep up to date with imminent post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.
cooooooooooooooooool thanks !!!!!!!
This is probably one of the best brings up of the topic I have seen within a long time. It’s obvious that the understanding of the subject is actually deep and this made for an extremely fascinating study.
whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, many people are searching around for this info, you could aid them greatly.
I enjoy reading and I think this website got some truly utilitarian stuff on it!
Thanks, a great read – added to bookmarks so will pop back for new content and to read other people’s comments. Cheers again.
I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i’m satisfied to exhibit that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much indisputably will make sure to do not disregard this site and provides it a look regularly.
I think this is one of the most important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The website style is great, the articles is really excellent
. Good job, many thanks,
hello,I go to your website basically through many links,you realize,press,click.I have also been any weblog because of the equivalent area of interest,In my opinion we’re able to enjoy maintaining in-tuned.suitable,let’s begin.any individual weblog is ideal,I enjoy this significantly,along with here you are at our blog.
Excellent article! I really liked your blog. Subscribe to RSS! By the way, I would probably even be able to help you than something. If you have something to online dating site, please contact me.
I thought it was going to be some boring old site, but I’m glad I visited. I will post a link to this site on my blog. I believe my visitors will find that very useful.
Sell Online Sell Online with Wazala An easy 15 minutes set up process and you are ready to start selling online
This web site appears to recieve a sizable ammount associated with site visitors. How can you obtain traffic to this? This provides a nice person distort on issues. I guess having some thing authentic or considerable to provide information on is an essential factor.
You’d excellent positive suggestions there. Used to do a search on the problem and located nearly all peoples may accept your site. One thing we discovered was candlestick producing.
Thank you for making the effort to discuss this particular, Personally i think highly about it as well as adore understanding more about this particular subject. If possible, while you gain expertise, can you mind upgrading your site with increased info? It is extremely ideal for me personally.
Grateful i recently discovered this excellent website, Another good site is Dianabol will be sure to save it in order to browse often.
I know this really is truly dull and you’re skipping to another comment, but I merely desired to throw a large many thanks – an individual solved the main things individually!
I used to be more than happy to search out this site.I wished to thank you for this nice read!! I definitely enjoying each little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you post. Anyway, in my language, there aren’t a lot good supply like this.
I was wondering if you want to be a visitor poster on my web site? and in trade you could embody a link your submit? Please reply once you get an opportunity and I’ll send you my contact details – thanks. Anyway, in my language, there are usually not a lot good supply like this.
Many comments, little wisdom.
Thanks for another magnificent post. The place else could anyone get that type of information in such an ideal approach of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for such information.
Damn ! I just found an error in your post! Check if css is placed correctly!Get solution at Watch Movies Online For Free Without Downloading
Wow, there’s really so much to learn out there and one can get overwhelmed but when you know where to focus, it’s really all worth your time. Enjoyed your post!