Google CEO Larry Page said that the search giant is signing up 5,000 new enterprise customers a day.
On an earnings call with analysts, Page was his usually effusive self. He was “excited,” talked about his “superfast” Galaxy Nexus and was at times “superexcited.” In between that gushing Page noted that the enterprise business was more than a sideshow for Google.
“Enterprise is doing great, with over 5000 new customers signing up every day. In fact, last week, we signed our biggest ever deal, about 110,000 users to BBVA, one of the world’s leading banks,” said Page.
Also see: Google earnings statement | Google’s Q4 revenue disappoints | Google downplays Europe concerns after Q4 earnings | Google’s Q4: Europe, Motorola margins in focus | Spanish bank BBVA migrates 110,000 employees to Google Apps
Indeed, 5,000 customers a day is a solid growth rate even though it’s just a wee bit below Google’s gaudy Android stats (700,000 activations and 250 million devices in the field). Those new customer sign-ups indicate that Google is becoming a small business staple.
Nikesh Arora, chief business officer, touted Google’s enterprise wins with customers like CostCo and a series of universities.
While Google uses large customer wins to garner headlines, the company appears to be focusing on the small business market. “We are seeing great traction in our enterprise business — large partners who tend to be early adopters — many small businesses who see Google Apps as a comprehensive and quick solution,” said Arora. “In Q4, we signed government deals for the states of Maryland, Utah and five top universities, including Berkeley, Howard and Michigan.”
