Google Apps Partner Onix Networking: Another Government Win

Each time Google Apps wins a government deal, lots of cloud computing pundits assume Google worked directly with the customer. But a growing mountain of evidence suggests Google Apps Authorized Resellers are thriving in the government market. The latest example involves Onix Networking, which recently transitioned the City of Columbia, Missouri, to Google Apps for Government.

Indeed, Onix transitioned nearly 1,200 Columbia employees to Google Apps for Government in April 2012, according to City Manager Mike Matthes. Eighty percent of the city’s employees are mobile — and now police, fire and public works staff can easily check email, documents and sites while in the field, Matthes noted. Not by coincidence, Matthes had previously been involved in the City of Des Moines, Iowa, Google Apps migration.

Both Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365 have been catching on with government customers. Office 365, which includes SharePoint Online, Exchange Online and more, recently earned FISMA certification — which could make it even more appealing to government customers. (Google Apps had already earned that certification.)

Google Apps for Government Partners

Meanwhile, a lengthy list of Google Apps Authorized Resellers are focused on the government market, where multiple wins are mounting. Examples include:

• Onix Networking winning a Google Apps deal with the U.S. Dept. of Interior.
• Daston winning Google Apps for Government deals with the City of Saint Louis, Mo., and the City of Pittsburgh, Pa.
• Tempus Nova won a Google Apps for Government deal with the State of Colorado.

So forget the myth: Google isn’t a pure direct sales company. The Google Apps channel is growing, and winning Government deals. Yes, there have been some hurdles along the way — including challenges in the City of Los Angeles and losses to Office 365 on some fronts. But the Google Apps channel ecosystem seems to be maturing fast, especially in the government market.