UK Poll Shows Google Is A Stake In Microsoft’s Heart
A recent poll of 1400 SMB users of Microsoft products in the UK by Accredited Supplier shows that Google is encroaching into Microsoft’s rice bowl very very quickly.
Key
13% Switching
29% Not aware of Google Apps
22% Undecided
36% Not switching
First of all, as shown above, 13% are planning to migrate to Google apps in the next 18 months. Note that nearly 30% had never heard of Google apps, which would mean that almost 20% of SMBs aware of Google apps are planning to switch from Microsoft Office in the next 18 months. We could also conjecture that some of the undecided will switch, as will some proportion of those that were ignorant of Google apps. My guess is that it will turn out to be more like 30% overall.
What is pushing this transition? One factor is price, but that’s not all. It seems that more SMBs want their apps served up in the browser, for any number of reasons:
Key
34% Prefer browser
28% Strongly prefer browser
12% No preference
8% Unsure
18% PC software
The benefits of browser-based application provisioning include price but also allow for use on many platforms (Mac, mobile, etc.), and decrease the costs and headaches associated with provisioning machines with software. An added benefit is the much simple mechanisms for sharing and collaboration around work oblects like reports, slide decks, and spreadsheets.
And the last indignity for Microsoft? Only 8% plan to upgrade to Windows 7 within 12 months of its release.
Key
8% Yes
62% No
30% Unsure
Note that this last figure represent another opportunity for Google, since stalling on Windows upgrade leaves a bigger and bigger chance for Google O/S.
As I have said before, it is definitely time for a new O/S, one that is based on the existence of the Web rather than treating it as an afterthought. I don’t see Apple innovating enough in this area, nor Microsoft. Google has no legacy to support here, and is therefore the most free (and well-capitalized) to do something truly revolutionary. It may not take place in the 12-18 month window of the polls time horizon, but it’s coming. And it looks bleak for Microsoft.
[via Mike Butcher]
related- Free Software Foundation trashes Windows 7 (news.cnet.com)
