On Tuesday, October 4th, Sun Microsystems (SUNW) and Google Inc. (GOOG) announced a partnership to attempt to take massive market share away from their competitor Microsoft. The partnership will allow Google to market Sun’s Java software to more users to increase distribution rates. This will allow consumers to use Google for such things as Microsoft’s Office programs offer now but for much cheaper or even free. This application by Sun called OpenOffice will use the Java programming language rather than Microsoft’s XML language used in the Office Suites. Also, Google’s toolbar will contain options from Sun’s Java applications in order to increase market share and expand the product horizons for both companies.

In my opinion this is a good step for both companies in order to compete with a 900 pound gorilla known as Microsoft. Sun did have the chance however back in the day of the tech bubble. Not too many companies have the chance to do what Sun is doing now since they didn’t survive. Now Sun partnering with Google, this would allow the consumers to perform basic Word, Excel and PowerPoint type applications for free using Sun’s programs on Google’s site. Obviously the more people that do this, the less and less sales Office will have as far as Microsoft is concerned.

I don’t think Microsoft has anything to worry about, if they loose a few customers in their Office unit, it’s not a big deal for them. However, if they loose close to half lets say of their customers for Office, then Microsoft should drastically cut the price of the suite to satisfy the customers of all income levels. Microsoft Office Professional costs roughly $600 and all you’re really paying for in that package is Microsoft prestige and the name itself. We’ll have to see how this sorts out and I’ll keep you up to date with any new developments in this story.