After five years of Gmail wearing a beta tag, Google has indicated that the beta label might finally be removed. For the millions of users who have signed up for Gmail accounts they probably barely even noticed the beta designation. (Beta is a label given to computer software that is almost finished, but not ready for full release.) Google argued that the software development cycle for web applications was different than traditional software, hence why they left the beta label on for so long.
But it looks like Google is finally realizing that many businesses are reluctant to make the switch to beta software even if it could save them hundreds of dollars per user. In addition to a low price, businesses want assurance of stability and that there email provider is going to be around for a while.
Even if Google does remove the beta tag (which I think is a good idea) I have often argued that the biggest indicator of Google's long term commitment to Gmail is the number of large organizations that it has signed up for the service. When places like Colorado State University, Northwestern University and the City of Washington DC ditch Microsoft to use Google Applications, I feel pretty safe in recommending Google Applications for small businesses.
Read more about Gmail and its beta label.
