Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2011/01/26/google_apps_for_verizon/

Verizon bundles Google Apps with small biz broadband

Strange BFFs in web office suite tag team

By Cade Metz

Posted in SaaS, 26th January 2011 19:40 GMT

Verizon is now bundling Google's online Apps suite with broadband services for small- and medium-sized businesses.

Known as Google Apps for Verizon, the new offering is available to any business that subcribes to Verizon internet service and Verizon's voice or TV service (or both), and it includes three free Google Apps accounts.

There was a time when Google and Verizon were the worst of enemies, but now they're the best of friends. Somewhere along the way, Google realized it couldn't sell Android handsets without Verizon Wireless – a joint venture between Verizon and Vodafone – and now, the two outfits are so close, they even agree on net neutrality.

Google's latest partnership with Verizon could provide a significant leg-up for Google Apps, which Mountain View has worked overtime to promote in recent months. Late last year, Google even sued the US Department of the Interior after the agency refused to consider anything other than Microsoft Office for its new email settup. The suit has halted the DoI's proposed Microsoft contract – at least temporarily.

For the moment, Google Apps for Verizon is available in Washington, DC and parts of 12 US states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia. Verizon is also offering Google Apps as a standalone service to businesses across the country, at a price of $3.99 per month per user.

The Verizon-Google bundle includes a domain name, domain-email, 25GB of email storage per user, and access to all those familiar Google online applications, such as Gmail, Calendar, Contacts, Docs, and Sites. ®