You might have missed this a few days ago but I saw it being touted in a recent television ad; “Cavalier Goes Google”
Users will find The Google application suite via a Cavalier web domain which will provide Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Shopping, Google Picasa, and the Google Start Page feature allowing subscribers to create a home page. Cavalier claims to be the first company in the communications industry to launch these services.
Cavalier is starting right off using the Google brand to their advantage through their advertising. I can imagine that people are more apt to pick an ISP who uses the Google logo stamped on the front page on in their television ad.
I can also see why an ISP would want to outsource their mail, video hosting services, etc… to Google.
First, I dare say that most ISP’s use horrible webmail systems both on the front AND backend. The goal here is to make a buck and not everyone can afford a fully implemented MS, Lotus or Sun solution. The more affordable solutions lack advanced spam blocking features, calendaring, collaboration and other tools that make email more usable.
Second, Google with its power over the internet has become the one who sets defacto standards across the internet for ISP’s and others to follow. If everyone used and learned it people could easily switch between ISP’s or simply be able to help others with problems quicker.
Third, I could see ISP’s lowering their costs not having to deal with the support and maintenance issues associated with Google Apps equivalent services. I don’t even use the “extras” (email, webspace, etc) with my COX account. Provide me pure connectivity and no add-ons. But then again, these companies are out to make a dollar so I don’t see the pricing going down anytime in the near future.
I can see benefits for an ISP and users, but the lack of options and privacy issues could pose a potential hazard. Unwittingly or being forced to give up your privacy to Google is the biggest danger I see.
