I found an interesting article about GMail – Gmail now ‘Viable Alternative’ to Microsoft, says Gartner. Gartner is well known analytical company also making PLM consulting. Navigate your browser to the link and have a read. The opening sounds like as following:
Google’s Gmail is now a viable alternative to Microsoft Exchange Online and other cloud email services, according to analyst house Gartner, which said the enterprise-focused cloud email package is gaining momentum among commercial organisations with more than 5,000 seats. While cloud email is still in its infancy, Gartner expects it will account for more than half of the email market by the end of 2020.
This article made me think again about the latest wave of cloud announcements from Autodesk and Dassault System. Is there any connection between future growth of GMail and CAD/PLM vendors rushing to the cloud? Obviously, it is too early to say what will be the dynamic of cloud apps adoption, clearly both Autodesk and Dassault are trying to win “cloud game” and position their portfolio on the cloud. No doubt, mail is very important. In the past enterprise companies (especially in PLM domain) behaved in a quite ignorant way about email and even trying to compete with email. In my view, they lose this competition. At the same time, it seems to me a second round is coming. Cloud offering from CAD/PLM companies have a chance to be integrated with the cloud email. GMail is a perfect candidate.
What is my conclusion? I can see early dynamics in cloud email adoption. The same happens with CAD/PLM companies. They are confident about the future of cloud, but trying to check it carefully. Future interplay with cloud email, such as GMail can be an interesting competitive advantage. Just my thoughts…
Best, Oleg
