In a first for the region, resellers are bringing the software suite, Google Apps, to Australian businesses with a version specially created for marketing through a channel rather than direct marketing.

Web development firm DevNet and leading domain provider Netregistry are teaming up as the first resellers in Australia, and will evangelise and increase adoption of the Google Apps Premier Edition for businesses.

Google Apps is a package of business-oriented software that includes domain hosting, email and instant messaging, and collaborative calendar and document sharing.

Until now, businesses around the world could only host with the .com or .org domains, but the Australian Google Apps will give businesses the option of using a .com.au domain.

Google said it made this move as a response to the growing prevalence of hosted applications in the Australian business sector.

“Online applications are really becoming main stream for Australian businesses and we're seeing great momentum,” said Richard Suhr, Google Australia spokesperson.

“Users are fully embracing cloud computing in their personal lives and enterprises are now following suit by exploring cost-saving, collaborative, web-based office solutions.”

Netregistry, which provides domain hosting to 250,000 Australian organisations, believes the Google Apps partnership is a sign of trends to come in the business-world, particularly for SMEs.

“I think for small businesses, ultimately, what it really represents is a lower cost and increased productivity,” said Netregistry CEO Larry Bloch.

“For small businesses in general, what we’re seeing, is a drift towards hosted applications for a preferred computing environment.”

“I think to some extent, the dinosaur days of desktop applications will pass, and the future will largely comprise of hosted applications that will be delivered centrally, and all you need on the desktop is literally a browser and an internet connection to gain access.”

Bloch said the Google Apps suite will be available soon and will be offered to Netregistry’s 250,000 SME customers, or can be purchased through the Google website.