Barney's Blog

Blog archive

Google Buzz vs. Outlook Social Connector

Social media and social networking are all the rage. Heck, you can't watch more than 10 minutes of CNN before you're pushed to some stupid Twitter page.

Now Google and Microsoft both want in on the act. Google stepped up to the plate with Buzz (not exactly an original name), a service that brings social features and YouTube hooks to Gmail. The Gmail requirement makes this very much a consumer play. But Google promises an enterprise version that ties into its premier version of Google Apps.

Between them, Gmail and Google Apps have less corporate share than Ron Paul in the last election. Microsoft Outlook, on the other hand, has market share to spare. That's probably why Redmond is adding social hooks to its messaging system so you can link to your contacts' Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. Some see using Outlook as giving Microsoft an edge, but never count out a brand-new participant like Google Buzz.

Meanwhile, some are questioning the privacy aspects of Buzz, arguing that anyone who follows you can see who you're following. This could create sticky situations with bosses and spouses!

Do you use social networking, and if so, how? E-mail me at [email protected], or follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Dougbarney.

Posted by Doug Barney on February 12, 2010


Featured

  • Microsoft Appoints Althoff as New CEO for Commercial Business

    Microsoft CEO and chairman Satya Nadella on Wednesday announced the promotion of Judson Althoff to CEO of the company's commercial business, presenting the move as a response to the dramatic industrywide shifts caused by AI.

  • Broadcom Revamps VMware Partner Program Again

    Broadcom recently announced a significant update regarding its VMware Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) program, coinciding with the release of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0, a key component in Broadcom’s private cloud strategy.

  • Closeup of the new Copilot keyboard key

    Microsoft Updates Copilot To Add Context-Sensitive Agents to Teams, SharePoint

    Microsoft has rolled out a new public preview for collaborative "always on" agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot, bringing enhanced, context-aware tools into Teams channels, meetings, SharePoint sites, Planner workstreams and Viva Engage communities.

  • Windows 365 Cloud Apps Now Available for Public Preview

    Microsoft announced this week that Windows 365 Cloud Apps are now available for public preview. This aims to allow IT administrators to stream individual Windows applications from the cloud, removing the need to assign Cloud PCs to every user.