Google Apps Marketplace: Evolving for Channel Partners?
At first glance, Google Apps resellers can only make about $10 per user per year. But during a conversation with Google Apps Product Manager Jonathan Rochelle, The VAR Guy began to realize Google Apps Script and some potential Google Apps Marketplace enhancements could unlock new SaaS (software as a service) revenue opportunities for channel partners. Here's why.
May 5, 2010
google apps marketplace2
At first glance, Google Apps resellers can only make about $10 per user per year. But during a conversation with Google Apps Product Manager Jonathan Rochelle, The VAR Guy began to realize Google Apps Script and some potential Google Apps Marketplace enhancements could unlock new SaaS (software as a service) revenue opportunities for channel partners. Here’s why.Launched about two months ago, the Google Apps Marketplace apparently is off to a fast start. Rochelle says more than 1 million users are working within domains that leverage the Google Apps Marketplace. It’s easy to see how the Google Apps Marketplace potentially benefits software developers. But where do VARs fit in the picture?
That’s where Google Apps Script enters the picture. VARs can use Google Apps Script to integrate and automate across the Google Apps portfolio, notes Rochelle. “The APIs on Apps Script are gems waiting to be used,” said Rochelle. “They are ideal if you’re a Google Apps reseller that wants to offer consulting services or if you want to productize some of developments and services.”
Right now, there’s no official “certification” process for Google Apps Script partners. But Rochelle thinks such a certification could emerge down the road. “I like that concept a lot,” said Rochelle.
Also under consideration: Google may expand the Google Apps Marketplace to more effectively promote channel partners. Right now, the marketplace is mainly designed for software developers and third-party applications. “The marketplace has a rating system on the app side,” said Rochelle. “We’d like to do something similar on the service provider side.”
Translation: Google may develop a channel partner rating system and perhaps even a partner locator tool. Hmmm… Sounds like a bit of a cliff hanger right now. The VAR Guy will keep watching the Google Apps Marketplace for signs of channel partner progress.
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