Google has taken a further step into the world of software with the launch of Google Gears and the updated Google Web Toolkit (GWT).

As it seeks to compete more directly with US software giant Microsoft, Google has been developing web-supported programs to help smaller firms and individuals access IT applications.

The move is beneficial and highlights the growing importance of IT, as well as the corresponding need for sufficient IT network support.

The GWT applications is a development tool for Java developers, which could make apps around a third smaller and up to 50 per cent faster.

Meanwhile, Google Gears allows users to gain access to their internet applications even when they are not online.

David Bradshaw of analyst Ovum told IT Week: "It looks like they're trying to just get the [technology] out there and decide later how to monetise it.

"These are still a work in progress but it's an important thing for them to do to move forward in the web applications space."

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent)