Google for Work scores 45,000 new users -- should Microsoft worry?

With every passing day, Microsoft's enterprise competition gets a bit stronger. Between OS X, Chrome OS and Linux distributions, Windows is under constant attack; however, the true threat to Microsoft is competing office suites and cloud solutions. While the business world will not largely be transitioning from Windows anytime soon, software like Google Docs and Drive are legitimate options.

Today, Google announces a new agreement with a company called PwC, which will bring Google's solutions, like Gmail, Hangouts, and Docs, to the company. Believe it or not, PwC has over 45,000 employees in both the USA and Australia which is a huge win for Google. In the grand scheme of things, it is not a huge number of users, but slowly and steadily, Google is accumulating these relationships and they add up. Should Microsoft be worried?

"As part of this new relationship, PwC will help their clients evaluate and plan their move to the cloud. Any company can benefit from the ability to work better together from anywhere with Drive for Work and Android. PwC will also help clients build custom applications and mobile solutions relevant to their industries -- improving processes like invoicing and talent management -- using Google Cloud Platform. Moving to the cloud requires trust in a new way of working. PwC's deep industry knowledge and strong client relationships will help businesses realize the security benefits, productivity gains and cultural impact made possible through this move", say Amit Singh, President, Google for Work.

Singh further explains, "PwC is also adopting Google Apps for Work for 45,000 employees in the U.S. and Australia. After extensive research and analysis, PwC's experts concluded going Google is secure and cost-effective, and offered greater opportunities for collaboration. PwC's digital transformation will include products like Gmail, Calendar, Hangouts, Drive and Docs, to communicate and collaborate with their colleagues and clients. PwC's use of Google tools will also help them advise clients on the benefits of cloud technology".

Chromebooks are noticeably absent from the announcement, but this is not surprising to me. While the machines are wonderful for both home and small business use, it is not ready for a large company with 45,000 employees. The platform is not yet there, but it can be with time. Windows and Office remain the kings of the enterprise, but will it last forever?

Should Microsoft be worried? Tell me in the comments.