Channel technologies, CSPs

Google Apps for Work: What’s the Cloud ROI?

In the endless Office 365 vs. Google Apps for Work cloud debate, the search giant is coming armed to the conversation with new data. Indeed, Forrester claims switching to Google Apps for Work delivers a 213 percent return on investment (ROI) over three years. But there are a few caveats to consider.

Indeed, Google commissioned Forrester to study the Total Economic Impact generated when a customer switches to Google Apps. But the research firm surveyed only seven companies. And the top-level information doesn't mention if the switch involved a jump from Microsoft Office 365 (admittedly, we need to take a closer look at the data).

Still, there are some big takeaways that Google wants to share. Over a three-year period, Google says, its cloud productivity suite offers:

  • 213% return on investment (ROI)
  • Payback in just 1.9 months
  • Nearly $1 million in collaboration and productivity gains

A Closer Look: Google Apps vs Office 365

Murali Sitaram
Murali Sitaram

Meanwhile, Google continues to push the suite through channel partners. An overhauled Google Apps for Work partner program arrived in late 2014. The changes allowed Google's top partners to earn even more rewards even faster, according to Murali Sitaram, managing director for Google for Work Partner Strategy and Global Alliances.

Still, Google's cloud strategy remains a work in progress. The company in November 2015 named VMware veteran Diane Greene to lead Google's cloud strategy. And more recently, Google has been profiling SaaS companies that are deploying their offerings across Google Cloud Platform. Also, a free Office 365 to Google Apps migration offer has been in the market since October 2015.

Meanwhile, Microsoft remains aggressive with its Office 365 partner moves -- recently expanding its FastTrack efforts to pursue smaller Google Apps customers. Moreover, the company has been describing Office 365 vertical market bundles to help partners specialize in healthcare, law and other verticals.

Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri is co-founder & editorial director of MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E, the two leading news & analysis sites for managed service providers in the cybersecurity market.