Google has reportedly been successful in its bid for the Department of the Interior (Dol) contract, after a two year battle with Microsoft. Citing budget cuts, the government decided to condense its? numerous data centers, by switching to cloud based applications. The DoI chose the Google Apps for Government following a lengthy and legal ordeal. Initially, the DoI had presented the contract to Microsoft, a personal friend of the government and no real surprise to most, but Google filed a lawsuit claiming bias. After reviewing the bidding contract, it was revealed that only offers utilizing Microsoft?s Business Productivity Online Suite would be eligible for consideration, basically, shutting the door on Google's platform. After Microsoft, reportedly, retaliated with its accusation regarding Google?s alleged misrepresentation of its FISMA security clearance, Google countered by bringing to light the fact that Microsoft?s BPOS also lacked complete FISMA security clearance. The court ruled in Google's favor and the DoI announced that it would rebid the contract, whereby, Google dropped the lawsuit. According to reports, Microsoft's offer included a 5 year deal at $49.3 million as opposed to the Google deal of $35 million over 7 years. Tech News Brought To You By http://OptimizationTutor.com
