Every time the tech world turns around, Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) has come up with another way to try to get business from Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). One of those has been to build word processing and spreadsheet applications into a system so that they run on Google's servers and doesn't take up PC processing power or storage capacity. It also makes it easy for users to get access to their work from virtually any computer.
The problem with the nifty software is that there is no evidence that anyone is willing to buy what the search company call Google Apps. It is offered in a free version and most users do not want to upgrade to the "better" paid product.
To jump start its Apps business, Google is signing up IT resellers. According to Reuters, "From the end of March, authorized resellers will be able to sell, customize and support premium versions of Google Apps, which includes word processing, spreadsheets, calendars and email."
But, it is hard to sell what people have already shown that they will not buy. Google Apps does not have nearly as many features as Windows. Consumers don't seem to mind loading down the PCs with the Microsoft operating system. Google has been promoting Apps on its website for months. It is not as if no one has ever heard of it.
Apps is not going anywhere until it has all the same features as Windows and is much cheaper. Building software that complete will take years.
Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 24/7 Wall St.
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