Google backed IndiaGetOnline is a Platform for SMEs to establish their Web Identity – Domain, Company e-mail id, Website, Google Apps [ Online Documents, Spreadsheets, etc]. Google has partnered with Hostgator for Hosting Solutions and ICICI Bank / FISME to probably get SME database and channel to reach potential customers.
Much has been written across the Web on how this service compares with others in the Industry etc. However, Google’s motive is not just expanding its Online Advertising Platform but to get SMEs in India addicted to Google Apps and its Partners Offerings in the Long Term.
Google’s Long Term Goals
Google is fighting Microsoft Office with Google Apps Suite for collaborated workspace – More Information is available here. Google gradually want its Indian customers to be accustomed to its Web Services and later migrate them to use Google Marketplace Applications which are mostly charged as SaaS. Like it or not, SaaS is the way for business computing. Access any Application or Service from Any Device. However, their are no good Products / Web Services in the Google Marketplace for Indian SMEs which are dependent on Indian Government Rules. By this initiative, Google is expanding its eco-system throwing opportunities for innovative Software Entrepreneurs to Engineer Products [It should be a Truly Engineered Product and not something Garbage. For Example Call ICICI Bank Customer Care and Complain about Website the Service Executive will Claim – Everything is Working Fine] and make money with Google Marketplace. If you want an App right now, check out Zoho, I like their offering.
It is not too late for Web Entrepreneurs to develop a SaaS product for Google Apps Marketplace customized to the Indian Business Environment. Go for it now!!!
Who can compete with Google ? Most of Google’s offerings start at Zero cost to the customer. This means a competitor needs a big war chest to undercut Google and bleed. Who is the DareDevil ? What strategy can they adopt to compete Google and Win over them ? Any thoughts ? I do have Some.