AfterDawn: News

Google sues U.S. government over software contract

Google has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government this weekend, claiming that the government unfairly gave preference to Microsoft when selecting a new software suite.

In 2009, the Department of the Interior began searching for a "collaboration and messaging suite" for its almost 90,000 employees.



Google says it tried to join the evaluation process but was turned away.

The DOI then selected Microsoft BPOS-Federal Suite, thanks to Microsoft's multi-decade long history of providing software for government departments.

Microsoft's BPOS-Federal Suite includes hosting services, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Office Communications Online.

Google wanted to challenge the BPOS-FS with its Google Apps for Government suite, claiming it could be implemented more cheaply and more effectively than Microsoft's rival service.

The search giant wants the requisition process halted until Google Apps is given a fair chance.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 1 Nov 2010 20:19

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• 7 comments

• GryphB

  Hmm... With all the so-called smart brain power working for our gov't. you'd figure they'd be smart enough to run a *nix system and build their own applications for their needs. Just shows how much the gov't cares about their own security. Perhaps I don't blame the hackers and others who attack their systems anymore.

  1.11.2010 22:12 #1

• KillerBug

  It is about time the relationship between microsoft and the usa government was cut...they keep buying new versions of office every time they are released, while ignoring openoffice, and laying off employees to save money!

  2.11.2010 00:58 #2

• cart0181

  Wow, good luck with that one Googlesoft. Man those guys really have some cajones. Who do they think they are, seriously? Well, I suppose that was the only way they were going to get some attention. Everything has to be done through the courts these days, unfortunately. I agree they should have been given the chance to compete at least. The article should have mentioned why they were turned away. Maybe that is unknown.
  

  2.11.2010 01:37 #3

• DXR88

  Its the US government man, if its Free they want nothing to do with it. If its open Source they want nothing to do with it.
  
  if the US Government says you cant compete you don't compete, Period.
  

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  2.11.2010 03:57 #4

• KillerBug

  Originally posted by DXR88: Its the US government man, if its Free they want nothing to do with it. If its open Source they want nothing to do with it.
  
  if the US Government says you cant compete you don't compete, Period. When you are the size of google, you can take on anyone; even the corrupt bastards that got bribes from microsoft. The whole government? No...but politicians are happy to turn on eachother in order to make themselves seem just.

  2.11.2010 06:00 #5

• lissenup2

  Anyone that defends Google for this is a jag.
  
  It's the government's prerogative to choose, dismiss, overlook whomever they want when spending.
  
  This is just another arrogant Google act to make more of their product than there really is. I mean, C'mon, how many computer using morons who think they know technology truly can point out more than a few ground breaking innovations from Google? I'll give all you Google heads Google earth and Google voice but everything else is run-of-the-mill.
  
  Sit down and STFU Google and enjoy your 400.00+ shares of ridiculously priced stock.

  2.11.2010 18:54 #6

• lissenup2

  Originally posted by KillerBug: Originally posted by DXR88: Its the US government man, if its Free they want nothing to do with it. If its open Source they want nothing to do with it.
  
  if the US Government says you cant compete you don't compete, Period. When you are the size of google, you can take on anyone; even the corrupt bastards that got bribes from microsoft. The whole government? No...but politicians are happy to turn on eachother in order to make themselves seem just. Killerbug.............your statement is just plain moronic and without merit or intelligence as Google is NOT THAT BIG. Microsoft is wayyyyyyyy bigger, with wayyyy more sales and wayyyy more employees. And.............no matter how big a company is........THERE IS NO TAKING ON THE GOVERNMENT FOR UNWARRANTED CASES LIKE THIS. So shrink your head back to normal size and rethink your comment. You must be from another country like Finland where the government can be easily overthrown.

  2.11.2010 18:58 #7