Microsoft-Google Docs argument rolls on
Back in the day, Microsoft and Apple were the big rivals in an ongoing war of words. Now, with Apple seemingly paired off with Adobe in the argument stakes, Microsoft seems more involved in public disputes with Google.
As we noted back in April, a Microsoft blogger took a shot at Google, disputing the company’s claims that its Docs service means there’s no need for Microsoft Office users to upgrade to the 2010 edition with includes an online version. Andrew Kisslo argued that Google was wrong to say features used by a small proportion of users were irrelevant.
Now another Microsoft source has launched a direct attack on Google. Barbara Gordon, who is the vice president overseeing Microsoft’s customer service division, says support is a major difference between the two companies:
The launch of Office 2010 earlier this month reminded me just how much this makes us different. When was the last time you called Google for help recovering a lost Google Doc? Were you even able to find a number? My guess is, no. In my opinion and the opinion of others, Google simply does not provide that level of service.
How true that argument is depends on exactly where you draw the comparison. The free Google Docs service certainly doesn’t offer the support you get from paid Microsoft products. However, the subscription Google Apps service does have a wider range of support, albeit with the phone option limited to emergencies.
Google hasn’t issued an official reply, but did note to ComputerWorld that some third-party resellers offer packages combining Google Apps with more extensive support which work out cheaper than Microsoft options.
Google also questioned how relevant Gordon’s comments about lost Google Docs files were, noting that all such files are backed up at multiple locations and pointing out that it’s much more likely a user will lose a file created on a desktop system such as Office.
Related Posts:
July 1st, 2010
I’m not sure its a fair comparison really. I can see a use for both Google docs and a Microsoft desktop application. I certainly use both and wouldn’t want to be without either. I like the point about a user being more likely to lose a document saved on their desktop than on Google docs. I’ve deleted things in the past by mistake, at least with Google docs you have the peace of mind that it is backed up.