CRM applications provider Salesforce.com and Google announced that they have formed a strategic global alliance designed to give both a leg up in competition with Microsoft. The newest product resulting from this partnership, Salesforce Group Edition featuring Google AdWords, promises to better integrate online CRM services with Google AdWords. The idea is to offer one solution that not only helps businesses acquire new customers, but also helps retain them. Salesforce.com and Google will use their joint effort across 43 countries and encompasses distribution, technology and co-marketing efforts.

As for the new service’s pricing, Salesforce Group Edition/Google AdWords will initially operate under a special 30-day promotional price of $600 per year, including a $50 AdWords credit, with the last part extended only to new AdWords advertisers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The list price of the solution is $1,200 per year. Release

• Google And Salesforce Discussing An Alliance