Google's double-down on cloud services could have big MSP implications

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The potentially groundbreaking nature of Google's Chromebook for Business service - which will officially be available June 15 - could cause numerous changes in the world of managed service providers, MSPMentor reports.

For $28 per month, Chromebook for Business provides companies with a laptop PC bundled with a set of remote access services like Google Apps and Gmail, according to the IT news source. The monthly fee covers the hardware rental, tech support, a warranty and a management console. Discounts, according to the website, will be available for nonprofits and educational institutions.

Everything about Chromebook for Business, MSPMentor says, depends on internet connectivity. If there are problems in that department, the user experience will suffer greatly and the product will be a flop. However, Chromebooks could just as easily prove to be a world-beater, causing significant disruption in the managed services marketplace.

Other experts note, on the other hand, that Google's cloud services are unlikely to offer some types of specialized functionality, making niche providers a bit safer than most.