Microsoft, Google Rivalry Heat Up

Google appears to be taking on Microsoft’s core business.

Google Apps is offering more software and solutions for businesses like video and text communication, document writing and collaboration apps. The beauty about these products is that they are all cloud-based and does not require users to be installed in office computers.

For the last six years, the software appealed to small businesses and start-up companies. Recently, however, more big enterprises, like pharmaceutical company Hoffman-La Roche, are taking notice.

The Swiss healthcare company has global operations in different countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, India, Pakistan, among others. It has 81,000 employees, all of which use the Google software.

The US Interior Department, which employs 90,000 employees, also uses the software.

The increasing popularity of Google’s solution for businesses is because of its price. Since Google launched the product, its price has remained at US$50 or about $48 for every person that uses the product.

Google has also added new features but the price has stayed the same. It also complies with other regional standards.

Microsoft Office, on the other hand, costs $US400 (or $386) per computer. The package, however, does not include email. Microsoft is also notorious for offering extra features for additional fees.

Microsoft, however, does not see Google as a threat. Microsoft business division general manager Julia White said that Google has not shown how serious it is in offering software for businesses. She maintained that Google remains an advertising company.