Google Embraces 'Embrace and Extend'

Google has announced the beta of Google Apps for Your Domain, which combines Google's Gmail with its IM, calendar and web page editing services into one suite. It's no Office killer, heck, it's not even an Office Live killer yet, but it is a big step in that direction. Our sister publication, InformationWeek takes a look at the Google strategy, which includes embracing and extending Microsoft Office documents rather than trying to replace them outright. Google is borrowing other strategies from Microsoft, such as getting its software preloaded onto your next Dell. Of course Microsoft has a head start with its own hybrid suite of local and web-based tools, and I’m sure it will be quick to embrace any G-office features that are a hit with users.
Also of note this week: Thomas Claiborne considers How Google Might Fail, and Charles Babcock looks at Google's Brew of Open-Source And Custom Code.

Posted by John Dorsey at 05:21 PM  Permalink