Google has made the anticipated move into the business software market. The are starting off with a collection of the tools that already existed, but now put them together in a suite specifically for businesses, universities and non-profits.

The program, which consists of gmail, Google Calendar, Gtalk ad their Page Maker software is now open for sign ups. It is very likely that Writely (the Google Web-based word processor) and Google Spreadsheets will be included later. Google also plans to launch a paid version which will have no ads and more administrative features later this year according to Dave Girouard, General Manager of Google Enterprise Division.

Girouard also said that this was not an attempt to displace the Windows platform, but to simply offer new ways to solve problems people have had for years. But it’s obvious that Microsoft is not going to like this move. While Microsoft readies their Microsoft “Live” platform, and works on the problem-ridden Vista update, Google is moving full steam ahead.

USWeb currently uses an Exchange server for email and calendaring. We have never really been 100% happy with it. It’s expensive, and not always the most reliable software. But, the Exchange integration with Outlook is going to be hard to walk away from. Are we ready for a completely Web-based email and calendar?

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