Google And Cloud Computing Scores Win In Los Angeles

In a groundbreaking move, the big, busy city of Los Angeles, California has agreed to use Google Apps — Google’s cloud-computing alternative to Microsoft Office and other programs for all its city offices and officials. The $7.2 million contract means the city will undergo a complete overhaul of its city administration software, the slow and crash-prone GroupWise.

The contract was signed after various companies submitted their bids, and one of Google’s main rivals in the project, software giant Microsoft, was also in the game. LA’s decision to go with Google and cloud-computing is seen as a major blow for Microsoft, who largely depends on the success of their operating systems and (offline) office software.

On the other hand, LA’s move is seen as a big win for Google and cloud-computing. With LA’s initiative, this setup may soon be adopted by other cities and municipalities in the US and the rest of the world. As for Microsoft and other companies — while there will always be a portion of the population that prefers working off the cloud, this should wave a big red flag.