Trying to tackle Microsoft head to head in their core business would almost be impossible as they are so strong in the desktop software market however Google have such a strangle hold in the online space that they are in the perfect position to launch a full scale attack from where they are strongest.

I recently read a book by Seth Godin where he talked about how Apple used a similar strategy which have made them the leader in online music downloads, portable music players and soon mobile phone market by using iTunes which then allowed them to tap into their current user base to push more of their products and services which is much easier than marketing to new market. Couple this with innovative products and Apple now dominates this market.

Google has many of us using their search engine daily. We have Google accounts which mean we can easily tap into the growing range on online services Google provides. This is the platform the Google is using to slowing lure Microsoft Office users away from their desktop software as well as providing a link in Adwords reporting offering to view your report in Google Docs instead of downloading it as a csv file which you could then open in excel.

You use it once today, another time in a few weeks and soon enough you’ll find yourself getting dependent on using it and it starts becoming your main choice for word processing or spreadsheet processing. You can’t help being drawn to using it, as you get to save your files online for easy access and also makes it easy to find later… just log in. It’s convenience and it’s FREE.

With Microsoft being such a huge company, it’s hard to imagine Google doing so much damage and it’s even somewhat concerning that Google has so much data domination.

Here is an example of what you might receive in the email.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-8447
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (6063139273)
Published: September 9, 2007

Version: 2.0
Summary

Who should read this document: Customers who use Microsoft Windows

Impact of Vulnerability: Remote Code Execution

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical

Recommendation: Customers should apply the update immediately.

Security Update Replacement: This bulletin replaces several prior security updates. See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of this bulletin for the complete list.

Internet Explorer for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 – Download the update <– THIS IS THE VIRUS LINK

Revisions:

V1.0 (September 9, 2007): Bulletin published

Further information about Microsoft security can be read at http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/phishing/msemail.mspx