Revealed: Google’s SaaS Strategy for VARs
An old friend sent The VAR Guy a rather interesting YouTube link today (see above). In it, Google describes its software as a service (SaaS) strategy to VARs, IT consultants and managed service providers. Yes, folks. There’s a channel play for Google Apps. Here’s a look at the video. And a big thank you to Virus Woman for sending along the link.
Interesting. I saw a post on this a few weeks ago and was intrigued. My question is how to get involved and further more, how to charge for what Google says is “free”. Maybe it’s charging for the services of setting it up and maintaining it?
I think the bigger opportunity is for MSPs to actually write code that adds value to Google Apps. The idea being that you get the Google Apps for free (or at whatever price Google charges), but you add incremental value with your own SaaS apps that integrate with Google’s platform. That’s just one approach. I’m sure there are others…
You’re both right. There’s lot of opportunity and budget room for providing both setup (including data migration, customization, and training) and support services, particularly proactive guidance on usage as the apps continue to evolve. And Joe’s point is spot on as well – if you’re inclined to write code to add functionality there could be a big upside there. And Google’s AppEngine provides one platform to do this on to get some easy platform benefits.
To answer newmspguy’s question on how to get involved with Google – just go to google.com/a/smallbiz/providers
Jeff, thanks for your perspectives. We’re covering Google Apps very closely on The VAR Guy’s sister site, http://www.MSPmentor.net. As Google has more news to share about SaaS and managed services, please reach out to me.
Joe Panettieri
Editorial Director
Nine Lives Media Inc.
The VAR Guy, MSPmentor and Works With You
joe [at] ninelivesmediainc.com
Does anyone have a condensed or full transcript?