Google are directly challenging Microsoft business applications with the launch of a new service called Google Apps Sync, but is this part of a bigger plan?
In an ambitious move, Google have launched a plug-in application that will allow existing Outlook 2003 and 2007 users to sync Calendar, Contacts and Email online within Google’s Cloud Services. The new application is designed to help users migrate away from Microsoft Exchange while maintaining the Outlook interface and features.
Initially the application will only be available to Google Apps Premium users, but at only $50 a year for the service, it’s a small price to pay for such a valuable product.
Google have also launched a Mobile version of the Application for Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile devices. This will allow business users to sync and view email, calendar and contacts directly from their mobile device while on the move.
Some very high profile companies have chosen to migrate from Exchange to Google cloud services, including biotech company Genentech and chip manufacturer Avago Technologies, both of which have been using a beta version as part of product testing.
Morgan Hotels Group recently moved all 1700 of its users from Exchange to Google. “We eliminated 16 servers that were at the end of their lifecycle and due to be replaced, so we saved money right away and there will be fewer to buy going forward,” Jason Harper, vice president of technology at Morgans Hotel Group, told InternetNews.com
Only a few days ago we discussed Google Wave and how it was going to radically change the way we communicate using Email, Blog and Chat. Google has also launched Google Voice, a VOIP software to challenge Skype. So is this part of a bigger Google plan? Are Google looking for a large share of the communications market place? All the components are in place, each individual element is being tested and Google Wave is the perfect platform to bring them all together.
Google Wave is an open source product which is in a prelaunch stage. Google recently released the product source code to a select number of key application builders in order to product test and develop new components. This is part of Google’s ingenious product development protocol, allowing real users to develop usable component applications. Google Wave is due to launch towards the end of the year, and speculation is already building. One thing we can say for sure, the next few months will be very, very interesting.
Author Creative SEO
