But, Google already thought of this. Google offers a professional version of Gmail for a small fee to business users. The cost is literally a fraction of what Microsoft charges. Plus the spam filter in Gmail is phenomenal, storage is almost infinite, and with Google Apps for business, you can share files, folders and information just like Microsoft’s future version of Exchange and SharePoint will do!
So I am wondering this: If Google has already done it and is currently doing it with success, what makes Microsoft think they can look good and hip by saying "Oh hey, Mr. Media? We can do it too! Um, just give us 5 years… and give us loads of cash to do it."
And so, we go back to seeing Old Man Gates, sitting on the park bench, watching Google do back-flips to attract the cool businesses. Old Man Gates says "In terms of Google, not to overstate it, but they really don't understand the needs of business. For most Google products, the day they announce them is their best day."
Do I detect jealousy in that statement?
Article comments
1 - Bob Andelman
Thanks for mentioning "Mr. Media," but do you mind if I add the link? Just in case Microsoft or Google wants to get in touch, of course!
Bob Andelman
2 - Jamison
HAHA! Was meant to be generic, but feel free to link :) thanks for reading!
3 - Peter
Who says Google is such a paradigm of computer democracy and everything good. Should you not be worried about handling over your mission critical email functions without significant support? You need a voice at the other end of the line when problems happen. Hope Microsoft can rise to occasion like some of its Gold Certified Partners that are currently reselling hosted messaging and collaboration services such as private label Exchange Server 2007 and private label SharePoint 3.0. They have an interesting take on all this that you should look at.
4 - Jamison
Actually, Google has wonderful support for even their FREE software like Apps and Gmail. Their group forums are moderated by Google employees and answers are loads faster than waiting on hold for Microsoft. Have you ever tried to call Microsoft with a problem? I have. No, I am not a HUGE company. We have 300 computers and 7 servers, all Running a current version of Windows. After extreme hold times, rather than hear the rep say "Sounds like we need to issue a fix for that" they robotically say "It is not Microsofts issue, please see your other software vedors." It is almost to the point of comical.
5 - bliffle
People who embrace Microsoft products (or any other proprietary software) must be aware that MSFT might pull the plug on them at any time.
Go open software. Go linux.