Microsoft is preparing an “application streaming” initiative, in an effort to more effectively position Microsoft Office against Google Apps, according to ComputerWorld. Anyone who thinks this is nothing more than a commodity software war needs to think again.
While Google has lined up major colleges to standardize on Google Apps, Microsoft is quietly pushing cable companies to embrace its software as a service (SaaS) product portfolio. Here’s the scoop. Read More >
A few weeks ago I noted that Salesforce.com plans to make a major announcement on April 14. I wasn’t sure what the news was, but there are growing indications that it includes Salesforce.com gaining closer hooks to Google Apps. If true, this could be a defining moment for the software as a service industry. Read More >
At first glance, Google Apps’ biggest potential competitor in the online application world is Microsoft.
But another software as a service provider, named Zoho, continues to generate strong buzz in the Web 2.0 world. In addition to offering some basic online applications for word processing and spreadsheets, Zoho has developed online HR, CRM, reporting, Web conferencing and other business-oriented applications.
I’ve met the Zoho team a few times at various open source events. I think they’ve got a good thing going. And yes, they’re looking for partners and resellers.
It’s a classic Microsoft tactic: Arrive late to a party and then attempt to steal the show. The has company announced the next chapter of its Software as a Service (SaaS) effort. If you offer managed services, it’s time to listen up. I spent some time analyzing the Microsoft initiative and I see some clear opportunities–and challenges–ahead for managed service providers. Here’s a rundown of the 10 things MSPs need to know about Microsoft’s SaaS strategy. Read More >
