Microsoft and Google clash over Los Angeles email system

If you think the rivalry between Apple and Microsoft is bad, you probably haven’t noticed where Google fits in. The two tech giants have been battling each other over search services, software applications and email and enterprise services for quite some time. In my home city of Los Angeles, where the city’s email service has become antiquated and vulnerable to security holes, Microsoft and Google are aggressively vying for the opportunity to provide their services.

A recent front page article in the L.A. Times paints Microsoft as the more mature and experienced software company, ready and capable of providing the email and application services needed by the City of Angels. Google, on the other hand, is depicted as a young up-and-comer who may be the future of enterprise and business services. Both companies have been stating their case to city officials as well as lobbying hard for this monumental favor.

The company that ends up snagging this deal will have a tremendous amount of leverage in securing similar business in other cities in the future. While Microsoft is the top choice when it comes to corporate email and software services in most companies and government agencies, Google is very quickly making a presence for itself. The search giant already provides its Google Apps and other services to some universities and to Washington, D.C. Landing a contract with the city of Los Angeles will undoubtedly have other cities looking to adopt those same services. Microsoft is doing everything it can to make sure that doesn’t happen.

In response to this bid, Microsoft says that Google is capable of being secure, but not yet at a level where city officials should feel comfortable. Earlier this month, Gmail services went down twice, each time leaving users unable to access their accounts for several hours. Microsoft also contends that Google lacks the experience in servicing and dealing with business institutions and governmental environments. But is Microsoft clinging onto its aging model and prematurely dismissing cloud computing?

Google’s strength lies in its ability to offer its products at a much lower rate than Microsoft. In fact, most of Google’s services, such as Google Apps and Gmail, are entirely free. In an economy that still has legislators pinching pennies where it can, Google has the upper hand. Colleges such as UC Davis and USC are reportedly cutting costs thanks to Google’s platform.

In addition to low costs, Google’s products are typically much easier to use and maintain compared to Microsoft. Security updates, for example, can be implemented system wide by Google, whereas Microsoft requires manual and sometimes individual management of its systems and services. Google’s cloud computing model also allows easier sharing and storing of files and documents instead of individual computers or a closed network.

Perhaps Microsoft’s reputation is becoming just as antiquated as the city of Los Angeles’ email system itself. Where Google promises upgrades and improved future products, Microsoft is resting on its laurels and the name it has built for itself by being a mainstay (mainly because it is the only option) in enterprise services. Although a decision has yet to be made, Google appears to be pulling ahead as Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa begins to favor a more modern approach to handling the city’s email systems. When it comes to innovating for the future, Google appears to be well ahead of the curve.

Thanks to my friend Bill at ABC for the tip!