Google Inc. is preparing to launch a new store for online business software, according to people briefed by the company, enlisting software developers in its battle against Microsoft Corp.
These people said the search giant’s store will feature online business software designed by other developers to integrate and add capabilities to Google Apps, its existing online services that handle email, word-processing and spreadsheet functions. Google is expected to announce the new store as soon as March, they added.
Eventually, Google plans to allow users to purchase the new online software through its store, taking a cut for itself and sharing some with the developers, these people said. Google will also allow users to quickly access their purchased applications through the menu at the top of their screens while they are within Gmail or Google Docs, its word-processing and spreadsheet software, they said.
A Google spokesman said in a statement the company is “constantly working with our partners to deliver more solutions to businesses, but we have nothing to announce at this time.”
Source: WSJ
