Microsoft is doing everything to avert enterprise customers from using the Google Apps. To bolster the efforts, the technology giant is reported to have increased commissions to its resellers as well as cut pricing.
Microsoft may be a little taken aback by Google Apps for Business than it’s probably divulging, according to a new report by Wall Street Journal.
Over the last few months, Microsoft has made several moves to stop enterprise customers from taking to Google Apps.
Microsoft has since reduced pricing on Office 365, its cloud-based alternative. It has also increased reseller commissions making switching to Google Apps less attractive.
The Journal states that Microsoft has started a “Google Compete” team targetted solely to stop its Office customers from shifting to Google Apps.
The Journal did not disclose fully the details of team’s practices in one case however, it states the members of the team attempted wooing Dominion Enterprises, a top company, by inviting executives to Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters and flaunting product roadmaps.
According to a Cnet News report, in the end however, Dominion Enterprises, ditched its US$2-million-a-year contract with Microsoft for Google Apps.
Dominion now pays $200,000 a year for Google Apps, says the report.
Google’s product suite, which comprises documents, emails and collaboration tools, is cashing in on the increasing importance of the cloud to lure customers.
Even though Microsoft has often taken to the desktop with its productivity tools. The company’s latest offering Office 365, puts a range of services such as Office apps and e-mail in the cloud for corporate use.
Last week, Microsoft touted its Office 365 saying it is on course to surpass SharePoint as its fastest-selling enterprise product ever.
