Microsoft (MSFT) is going to offer its new "Communications package, described as collaborative productivity tools, which will provide small businesses with Internet-based corporate-class e-mail, calendar and document sharing for free to customers of Comcast (CMCSA) Business’s high-speed Internet service," according to Reuters.

It is actually an excellent way to skunk Google (GOOG) App software which has similar features and is also aimed at small businesses. And, Comcast has picked up a big marketing point in taking business from telecom firms.

If Microsoft gives away enough software, there won’t be a market for Google to pursue.

Douglas A. McIntyre