Microsoft Threatened - Google Office Targets New Users

Google Apps was described as the best replacement for Microsoft's Office suite just after its launch date because it bundles several utilities similar with the ones implemented by the Redmond company. However, the competition is more and more important but the only competitor that makes new moves is Google. Today, the search giant expands the Education Edition of Google Apps to registered nonprofits, allowing them to use the Google suite for free. The Mountain View company's representatives said they plan to expand this offering to Internet non-profits but it may take a while until they manage to do it.

"We're excited about this development not only because nonprofits, like universities, can benefit from access to powerful technology tools that don't strain overburdened budgets, but because we believe our technologies should promote as much of a positive impact in the non-commercial world as we hope they do for commercial enterprises," Jens Scheffler, Software Engineer, Google Apps Team, said today.

Just like the other flavors of the solution, Google Apps for nonprofits offers you email migration tool to move all your messages to Google's suite, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week assistance and phone support and several other features.

"Many nonprofits including the Nonprofit Technology Network, Mercy Corps, Idealist.org, and the East Bay Community Recovery Project have already moved their IT infrastructure over to Google Apps with positive results. Ltech Consulting, one of Google's Enterprise Professionals, has even begun offering discounted Google Apps services to nonprofit groups," the Google employee added.

As you might know, Google Apps is an interesting suite that includes Gmail, Docs & Spreadsheets, Google Calendar and several other solutions powered by the Mountain View company. In addition, the Google pack of application also offers multiple features to enhance the transition from other services to Google Apps such as the email migration tools.