April 18th, 2006
Google OneBox for Enterprise
As expected, Google has announced tonight they are starting to provide OneBox for the enterprise search appliance. Theoretically, this will make make finding sales forecasts as easy as weather forecasts.
The official Google Blog drops a few big names such as Oracle, Cognos, SAS and Salesforce.com — all of which now have OneBox modules for enterprise search. Just in time for the Q1 earnings report, these new partnerships breathe some new life into the product that makes up 2% of their revenue.
I wonder how long it will take before Google offers a similar "appliance" for things like Gmail and Google Calendar? Both of these products are great for personal use, but they have yet to prove themselves in a business setting. I’m sure most companies are reluctant to outsource mission critical services like email — especially to a company with services that are generally free and have little or no support available.
I think Enterprise solutions for Google will be a difficult, but necessary step to take. It is one thing for people to trust a search engine with hordes of personal information, but it will take time before businesses can show the same level of trust in this company.
Garett Rogers is employed as a programmer for iQmetrix, which specializes in retail management software for the wireless industry.
See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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