Microsoft Office Web vs. Google Apps: A Key Difference
As Microsoft begins previewing Office Web, plenty of pundits are comparing the SaaS productivity suite to Google Apps. But for Microsoft’s channel partners, there’s one big difference between Office Web and Google Apps. Here’s the scoop.
Simply put, Google Apps is only hosted by Google. On the upside, that means Google manages and maintains the system for end-customers and VARs (yes, there’s a reseller program for Google Apps). But on the downside, VARs and end-customers may feel like they don’t really “control” the Google applications and related user documents.
Microsoft’s Approach
In stark contrast, Microsoft will permit end customers to host Office Web on their own. But there’s a twist. During the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) in July 2009, Microsoft stated:
“Office Web applications will be available in three ways: through Windows Live, where more than 400 million consumers will have access to Office Web applications at no cost; on-premises for all Office volume licensing customers including more than 90 million Office annuity customers; and via Microsoft Online Services, where customers will be able to purchase a subscription as part of a hosted offering.”
In other words, you need to be an Office 2010 volume licensing customer to host Office Web on your own.
Still, some questions remain:
- Will Microsoft allow VARs and managed service providers (MSPs) to host Office Web? So far, the answer is no but Microsoft insiders say the company has been looking at that possibility.
- Do end-customers really want to host Office Web? Or would they prefer to access the suite using Microsoft’s cloud? Here again, The VAR Guy is looking for more third-party thoughts.
What Is Office Web?
Microsoft positions Office Web as a “lightweight Web browser versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote.” All About Microsoft, a blog that tracks the software giant, offered up these 10 things you need to know about Office Web.
Microsoft began offering a technical preview of Office Web last week. The suite is expected to roll out next year as part of the Office 2010 launch.
Follow The VAR Guy via RSS; Facebook; Identi.ca; Twitter; and via his Newsletter; Webcasts and Resource Center.
Office Web Apps doesn’t work on Google’s Chrome browser:(
Anna: Assuming you are accurate that’s a shame. Roughly 5 percent of The VAR Guy’s site visitors use Google Chrome… and that figure is growing monthly. Still, The VAR Guy hasn’t had a chance to ask Microsoft directly if they intend to ensure Office Web runs on Chrome. Microsoft has already vowed Office Web on Firefox support.
Zoho, which some believe have a more comprehensive solution in terms of online office suites, is or is going to have a solution where VARs can host it for their own customers. On the heels of Zoho’s annoucement of that option I even heard rumors that Google is considering it as well. This takes away some of the compliance risk of leveraging the public cloud via current Google Apps or even MS Office Online.
Brendan: You bring up a great point regarding Zoho. Their on-premise SaaS effort was announced at VMworld. Readers can find more details here. Sorry The VAR Guy didn’t include a link in the original post above.