Google Launches Developer Blog; Software Partner Program to Follow?

The VAR Guy speculated months ago that Google might launch a partner program for independent software vendors (ISVs). The fact that they just launched a Google Apps Developer Blog is just fuel for the fire. Here’s why.

Back in November 2009, Google Apps channel manager Jeff Ragusa pointed out that their APIs were open to any VAR or MSP who could figure out a way to leverage them to add value to their software as a service (SaaS) offerings. Well, now that Google also offers cloud storage, that ball is rolling even faster.

All the same, what sense does it make to launch a blog just for those developers building products around Google Apps unless they’re trying to reach out to them? And why reach out to ISVs now, unless you’re testing the waters to partner with them sooner rather than later?

To me, the question isn’t “will Google partner with software developers.” The question is “when will Google release a full-fledged cloud computing platform to compete with Amazon Web Services and Windows Azure?” They have the infrastructure, the know-how, and the business acumen. They’re cultivating a community of Google-loyal developers, as evidenced by this blog launch.

Why doesn’t Google give ISVs the whole sandbox, rather than a few SaaS toys?