Google to launch store for online business software
Google Inc has planned to launch a store for selling online business software, indicated a report on The Wall Street Journal.
The paper reported, "Google Inc. is preparing to launch a store selling online business software that integrates with its Web services, enlisting software developers in its battle against Microsoft Corp."
The store is aimed at selling business software designed by external developers to integrate and add capabilities to Google Apps. The company provides web-based email, word-processing and spreadsheet functions and the business software could add features such as security features, new functionality or ability to import contacts.
The store will come as a face lift to its existing Solutions Marketplace which features external party programmes. The company could announce the launch as soon as March. The report in Journal also indicated that the company could allow customers to purchase its partners' software through its platform where revenue will be shared.
Google is also expected to allow users to immediately access their purchased applications through Gmail or Google Docs. The store will increase revenue directly and help Google compete with Microsoft applications.
According to the company estimates, more than two million businesses use its paid or free applications.
