Microsoft launched its new online Office 365 service last month aimed at professionals and business and of course as a competitor to Google’s online Gmail and documents service.
Well this week Microsoft showed a comic 50’s sitcom styled videos aimed at highlighting a few of the pitfalls of using Google’s Gmail service, using a new character called “Gmail Man” which was shown at the Microsoft Global Experience to Microsoft employees. Watch the leaked video of “Gmail Man” in action after the jump.
“On July 20 during the MGX opening sessions, the Softies showed off their “Gmail Man” spoof, meant to spur the troops selling Office 365 against Google Apps, and specifically, Gmail. In the video, Gmail man riffles through mail to find keywords for serving up ads. The message: Google cares more about advertising revenues than privacy.”
Microsoft’s Strategic Move
The introduction of Office 365 marks a significant strategic move for Microsoft as it seeks to capture a larger share of the cloud-based productivity tools market. Office 365 offers a suite of applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, all accessible online. This service is designed to provide seamless integration with Microsoft’s other products, making it an attractive option for businesses already using Windows and other Microsoft software. By positioning Office 365 as a direct competitor to Google Apps, Microsoft aims to attract users who are concerned about privacy and data security, issues that have been points of contention for Google.
The Privacy Debate
The “Gmail Man” video is a clear attempt by Microsoft to highlight privacy concerns associated with Google’s Gmail service. In the video, Gmail Man is depicted as rifling through users’ emails to find keywords that can be used to serve targeted ads. This portrayal underscores a significant difference between the two companies’ business models. While Google generates a substantial portion of its revenue from advertising, Microsoft has traditionally relied on software sales and subscriptions. By emphasizing privacy, Microsoft is appealing to users who are wary of their data being used for advertising purposes.
The video also serves as a motivational tool for Microsoft’s sales teams, encouraging them to promote Office 365 by highlighting its advantages over Google Apps. By creating a character like Gmail Man, Microsoft is not only addressing privacy concerns but also adding a humorous element to its marketing strategy, making the message more memorable.
Moreover, the timing of this campaign is crucial. As more businesses move towards cloud-based solutions, the competition between Microsoft and Google is intensifying. By launching Office 365 and simultaneously critiquing Google’s approach to privacy, Microsoft is positioning itself as a more trustworthy alternative in the eyes of potential customers.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s launch of Office 365 and the accompanying “Gmail Man” video highlight the company’s efforts to compete with Google in the cloud-based productivity tools market. By focusing on privacy concerns and leveraging its existing product ecosystem, Microsoft aims to attract businesses and professionals looking for a reliable and secure online office suite. The “Gmail Man” video, with its humorous yet pointed critique, serves as a strategic tool to differentiate Office 365 from Google Apps, emphasizing Microsoft’s commitment to user privacy and data security.
Source: Zdnet
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