European tech firm, Google join forces
Cap Gemini SA, Europe's largest provider of computer services, agreed to offer its clients Google Inc's collection of Web-based programs, which compete with Microsoft Corp products.
Paris-based Cap Gemini signed a strategic partnership with Google to offer Google Apps, which includes e-mail, word-processing and spreadsheet programs, the French company said in an e-mailed statement.
Cap Gemini manages desktop applications of almost 1 million users around the world.
The market for software as a service, as opposed to a one-time purchase, may grow 25 percent by 2010, the French company said, citing research by Gartner.
"By integrating Google Apps in our service offer, we are offering our clients an innovative technology that will allow them to improve communication inside the company but also with partners," said Paul Spence, head of outsourcing at Cap Gemini, in the statement.
Using Google Apps means customers no longer have to maintain and install desktop applications because the software is available via the Internet, Cap Gemini said.
The software can also be used by workers who are on the road instead of in the office, the computer-services provider said.
Mountain View, California-based Google, the owner of the world's most-used Internet search engine, has introduced new services and made acquisitions to compete with Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft.
Google Apps, released a year ago to give clients customizable e-mail and calendar software, is now a primary business along with Internet search and advertising, Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt said in May.
Bloomberg News
(China Daily 09/11/2007 page16)
