News

Bluewolf Teams With Google on Business Apps

• By Kurt Mackie
• June 26, 2007

Bluewolf is best known as an adherent of the software-as-a-service (SaaS) application distribution model, particularly for its partnership with Salesforce.com, a provider of customer relationship management solutions via SaaS. That partnership supports more than 1,000 Salesforce.com customers, according to an announcement issued by Bluewolf.

In joining the Google Enterprise Professional program, Bluewolf plans to focus on mid-size and enterprise organizations. The company aims to supply them with a number of tools for Google Apps, including "planning, configuration, integration, migration and change management tools," the announcement stated.

In addition, Bluewolf will provide training to organizations using Google Apps, including change-management advice.

"For those organizations looking to transition to Google Apps or use it to complement their existing messaging and collaboration infrastructure, we can ensure that it is implemented effectively through our unique approach to change management," stated Eric Berridge, Bluewolf's cofounder and principal, in the announcement.

Google Apps includes Web mail, along with sharable programs such as a calendar, word processor and spreadsheet, all accessible via the Web and hosted by Google as SaaS applications. The suite is sometimes likened to a Microsoft Office alternative.

According to Google's Web site, participants in the Google Enterprise Professional program have to meet the following criteria:

• They must participate in annual certification and training;
• They have to commit to providing at least one customer success story per year; and
• They must pay a program membership fee of $10,000 per year for Search or $5,000 per year for Google Apps.

Developers, consultants and independent software vendors are eligible to join the program.