Last night Google unleashed a bazaar for third-party cloud-configured integrated applications where customers and vendors can sell, research, and buy additional applications for their domain integrated through Google Apps.
Set up similar to Apples' "App Store," Google Apps Marketplace allows customers to collide directly with vendors in Google-fashioned simplicity with marketplace sub-categories on the left-side of the screen, top applications on the right-side of the screen, and "popular" or "notable" apps running down center-screen.
Described as a "business-to-business marketplace," by Chris Vander Mey, Google senior product manager, Google Apps Marketplace launched with over 50 vendors worth of applications.
Offering both products and services, vendors such as OffiSync Corp, Cordys, Aviary, and eFax, have already filled the marketplace with a plethora of easily integrated applications running the gambit of needs for modern businesses.
For products; applications ranging in use from administrative tools, to workflow tools, security tools, and various management tools.
For services; the marketplace offers custom application possibility, analytic services, training, support, and implementation services.
After a $100 non-refundable first listing fee, vendors will be privy to upload any number of applications they choose. Once the revenue starts trickling in, Google will pocket only 20 percent leaving the remaining 80 percent for their sales partners, reported Paul Krill of InfoWorld.
As for the customers, many have already found success through the integrated applications offered via the marketplace.
Steve Aldrich, TheHomeMag's IT Manager, has already begun implementing Google Apps into four offices with the help of Google's marketplace partner, Dito.
Working with Aldrich, Dito devised training sites and guides integrated through Google to help employees at TheHomeMag's adopt Google Apps.
"The workflow improvements are already paying dividends, and the ability to have everything right there in one interface makes supporting the franchisees and their staff a breeze," said Aldrich.
With over 90 percent user-integration, estimated Aldrich, office standards such as Outlook have been shelved due to Google Apps.
After decades of running the business-integration market, Microsoft's Office package has a bleak outlook ahead.
Comments