Frost & Sullivan Survey Reveals Google Apps’ Key Role as the Core of Corporate IT
New York, New York (PRWEB) February 11, 2014 -- Growing adoption of and satisfaction with Google Apps is placing the messaging and collaboration suite at the center of corporate IT, according to a new survey by Frost & Sullivan and the Cloud Alliance for Google Apps. The report includes responses from 1,158 Google Apps administrators and end-users surveyed between December 2013 and January 2014 and reveals that Google Apps users are highly satisfied with the suite and see third-party applications as important players in the transition to the cloud. Moreover, the survey shows a willingness from end-users and IT administrators alike to spend their own funds on third-party products and the diminishing use of Microsoft Office.
Third-party Applications Play an Important Role in the Move to Google Apps and the Cloud
89% of all survey respondents are satisfied with Google Apps and install third-party products to complement this positive experience. 33% of IT administrators also note that third-party apps installed through the Google Apps Marketplace were very important in their move to Google Apps and 49% report that these applications helped with their move to the cloud as a whole. Moreover, nearly two thirds of IT administrators surveyed claim that Google plays an important part in their IT infrastructure, while nearly one third places Google at the core of corporate IT. Furthermore, IT administrators who cite Google as the core or an important part of their IT infrastructure typically install more third-party applications, and continue to use them for a longer period of time.
“The concept of the marketplace is relatively new, but complementary third-party applications are not,” said David Politis, Chairman of the Cloud Alliance and CEO of founding member, BetterCloud. “Third-party applications have long supported many of the largest, most successful software platforms and Google Apps is proving no different. By enhancing accessibility and ease of installation, the Google Apps Marketplace and Chrome Web Store are not only increasing reliance on third-party products among Google Apps users, they are enabling the IT department to place Google Apps at the core of IT.”
While third-party applications are crucial to the adoption of Google Apps with IT administrators installing 10 Marketplace applications on average, only 26% of administrators continue to use all applications after initial installation. For third-party software vendors aiming to improve customer satisfaction, it is important to note that 71% administrators would like to see increased integration between third-party products and Google Apps.
The Growth of Shadow IT and BYOD
60% of respondents note that they are willing to spend their own money to purchase applications that optimize their workplace experiences. And 60% of end-users claim they are responsible for choosing the web applications they use in the workplace. This willingness to spend personal funds combined with diminished oversight from the IT department regarding the selection and use of third-party applications points to the growing presence of shadow IT.
83% of respondents also work in organizations that support a bring-your-own-device policy. Factors driving BYOD include the desire to support a mobile workforce, improve the end-user’s experience and reduce IT operating costs. Of organizations where BYOD is supported, 93% support smartphones, 88% support laptops and 85% support tablets.
"Employees at all levels are no longer content to wait for their employers to give them the tools they need to be as productive as possible on the job,” says Melanie Turek, Vice President of Research at Frost & Sullivan. “The research speaks to workers' desire to perform to their peak potential, while using the applications and devices they deem best."
Diminishing Use of Microsoft Office
Data gleaned from the report also shows that 58% of IT administrators are either no longer supporting or slowing the use of Microsoft Office in their organizations. And, in instances of continued investment in Microsoft Office, 61% of IT administrators cite end-user demand as the primary driver.
“User expectations continue to shift from the traditional Microsoft Office experience to one of continuous productivity in which people can work whenever, wherever, and with whomever they need,” said Mark Mader, President and CEO of Smartsheet and member of the Cloud Alliance. “The cloud-first and BYOA trends are driving forces behind the adoption of many third-party products and the erosion of Microsoft Office's monopoly.”
Key Conclusions:
- 89% of respondents are satisfied with Google Apps
- 33% of IT admins note that Marketplace apps were very important in their move to Google Apps
- 71% of IT admins would like to see more integration between third-party products & Google Apps
- 60% of respondents are willing to spend their own money to buy apps that optimize their workplace experiences
- 60% of end-users are responsible for choosing the web applications they use at work
- 83% of respondents work in organizations that support BYOD
- 58% of IT admins are either no longer supporting or slowing the use of Microsoft Office
The 2014 State of the Google Apps Ecosystem report, conducted by independent research firm Frost & Sullivan in conjunction with the Cloud Alliance for Google Apps, is based on interviews from 1,158 Google Apps administrators and end-users around the world surveyed between December 2013 and January 2014.
For more detailed analysis, view the 2014 State of the Google Apps Ecosystem report and infographic at cloudallianceforgoogleapps.com/report.
About the Cloud Alliance for Google Apps
Founded in 2011, the Cloud Alliance for Google Apps is comprised of the leading independent software vendors in the Google Apps ecosystem. Member companies provide software solutions covering a variety of objectives including management and security, backup, project management, productivity, unified communications, conference calling, workflow infrastructure, CRM, migration services and help desk support. Members include BetterCloud, Esna, Insightly, Lucidchart, Fujitsu RunMyProcess, ShuttleCloud, Smartsheet, Spanning, Yesware, UberConference and Zendesk. For more information visit http://www.cloudallianceforgoogleapps.com.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. We leverage 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from over 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.
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Media contact:
Gail Axelrod
BetterCloud, Inc.
press(at)bettercloud(dot)com
Gail Axelrod, BetterCloud, +1 (646) 355-0607 Ext: 305, [email protected]
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