Microsoft Acquires Groove Networks: Three Years Too Late, Four Years to Impact

UPDATE: A revision of this paper was posted on April 13, 2005. See here for the latest information.

Shared Spaces announces the release of an independent Strategic Viewpoint report assessing Microsoft's acquisition of Groove Networks. Authored by Michael Sampson, the 7-page report:

" ... works through what is ahead for a combined Microsoft and Groove entity, and ultimately concludes that Microsoft is three years too late in acquiring Groove, and customers won’t see any benefit for at least four years. This creates a plethora of opportunities for competitors."

Table of Contents
Introduction
Strategic Reasons for the Acquisition
The Trifecta Approach Lacks Strategic Sense
Outlook for Product Integration between Microsoft and Groove
* Too Late for Offline and File Sync Capabilities in Longhorn 2005/2006
* Groove Virtual Office will Cease as a Standalone Offering
* Too Late to Impact Longhorn Server 2007; Maybe 2009?
* The Timing is Very Strange; Introduces High Degree of Uncertainty
* Customers Need Cross-Platform Solutions
* Can Microsoft Help Resolve GVO's Girth?
* Not a Repeat of Iris and Lotus
* Conclusion: Three Years Too Late, Four Years to Impact
Strategic Recommendations to Customers and Microsoft VARs
* Next Steps for Current Customers of Groove
* Next Steps for Prospective Customers of Groove
* Next Steps for Microsoft Messaging & Collaboration Customers
* Next Steps for Microsoft Value-Added Resellers

How to Buy
This independent Strategic Viewpoint report is available for immediate purchase, for US$400 per copy for a single reader, or $4000 for internal enterprise-wide distribution rights. Order now by sending email to reports@shared-spaces.com (you will be sent details about payment method by credit card). Contact us about public distribution rights.