If you’re a solutions provider or VAR, Google is searching for you. The company’s new Google Apps Reseller program — described in the video below — is designed for VARs that want easy entry into the SaaS (software as a service) and Web 2.0 applications markets. The VAR Guy wonders: Will partners warm up to Google? Or is the IT channel universally skeptical of SaaS programs — from Google, Microsoft and others?
Here’s the Google-produced video introducing the Google Apps Reseller Program. Plus, The VAR Guy’s perspectives further below.
Now, some full disclosure: The VAR Guy lives on Google Apps and Web 2.0 apps. He rarely uses traditional desktop applications.
Next, some advice to solutions providers: Get up to speed on Microsoft SaaS and Google Apps — fast. Whether you intend to cooperate or compete with Microsoft and Google, you need to live in online applications. You need to understand the reseller programs, potential product margins and potential risks — including marginalizing your own corporate brand.
Ignoring Google Apps and Microsoft’s Software+Service strategies isn’t an option. What’s your next — or first — move? Here’s some more background info from Google.
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Hey var guy, does Zoho have a reseller program like this?
Kyle: The VAR Guy has dispatched a note to Zoho seeking comment. Stay tuned. They typically reply in a few hours.
Ive moved my company to Google Apps, but im not sure that i would have the resources to sell Google Apps. A company I have worked with in the past is the Authorised Google Apps company for the Asia-Pacific Region, so if you want to speak with them about how google apps can help your business visit them.
http://google.devnet.com.au/
David: The VAR Guy has heard from quite a few Google Apps partners in recent hours. Our resident blogger plans to follow-up with a look at those partner efforts to date. Coverage coming in the next few days.