Ms Exchange vs Google Apps
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Which is better? Microsoft Exchange or Google Apps for Domains (GAFD)?
As with most things in life… it depends (-:
Comparing full blown Exchange to Google Apps is like comparing driving an ocean liner with driving a car. Hosting Exchange internally requires a heavy IT investment. So IMHO is it is not fair to compare with Google Apps which is hosted with Google.
However, comparing Hosted Exchange with Google Apps is a fair comparison. And this is what this post is about. Hosted Exchange 2007 versus Google Apps for Domains.
If you only want web access to email, light contact and calendar access, the GAFD is a really neat and compelling solution. The free version is very nice and includes hosted email, contacts, shared calendar, and shared documents. SPAM filtering is good. Search is awesome. Document sharing and collaboration is very handy.
However, if you need to sync with mobile devices and/or MS Outlook, then things get complicated. Sure, Google has a free tool to sync your Outlook calendar, and there is good IMAP support for accessing to your email from Outlook. But full two-way syncing of contacts, etc. requires third party applications most of which are not free. Buy the time you purchase all the applications needed, and subscribe to Google, your cost approaches $100 per year per user. Hosted Exchange is around $120 per year per user, and syncs with our phones, desktops, etc. with no third-party software. So the cost savings argument for Google Apps over Exchange is really not as appealing as it looks on the surface.
Further, there is the “who owns the data” issue. If you look at Google TOS, then you’ll see that they have the right to use your data in any way they see fit. They say this is for advertising purposes, and that no confidential data is revealed. But there is a definite trust issue to be considered. Plus, Google has the right to cancel any account for any reason without notice. That could make for a fun Monday morning right?
Google Apps is still a good solution, as long as you know the rules of cloud computing. So I am not bashing Google… just pointing out what we have found.
If you are tied to Outlook, then the hosted version of Microsoft Exchange, is a very attractive solution in terms of cost and functionality. Like Google Apps, your email is hosted online, and there is anywhere access via the web. Unlike Google Apps, Hosted Exchange gives you access to nearly 100% of your data stored in Outlook including email, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, etc. All data syncs with Exchange in near real-time. And you can sync your data with multiple computers.. say an offer desktop, laptop, and home computer right out the of the box.
We have tried running 100% our business on both solutions and while we really have tried to love Google Apps, it is “not there yet” for our needs. Our solution is to use Hosted Exchange for email, shared calendar, tasks, and contacts. We do use Google Apps for sharing documents and spreadsheets internally versus using SharePoint. Rather than trying force Google Apps to work, we decided to run our business critical email, etc. with a paid Exchange 2007 Host ($9.95 / month / user for unlimited storage) — it has proven to be very reliable with absolutely no regrets.
I like being in 100% control of my data. I want 24/7 support for business critical email. I can call or email my Exchange host 24/7 and talk to a live person. I can export/backup our data and easily move it in house or to another host anytime we wish. You can’t say that even with the paid version of Google Apps.
Disclaimer: I have spent many hours migrating our in-house data back and forth from Exchange to Google Apps. So this article is a summary of personal experience. But keep in mind that this is my personal opinion. It is up to you to make your own decision.
What is an IT Needs Analysis?
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…and do you need one?
An IT Needs Analysis is a service we offer that allows us to get to know your business and technology needs from “stem to stern”. We personally interview key staff, and collect technical information using propriety tools. All information is held in strict confidence.
The resulting analysis not only details your current use of technology, but also specific recommendations to protect and improve your business. We then meet with you face-to-face to review your custom report explaining everything in detail. Afterwards, at your request, we can work with you to map out a plan to implement our recommendations in a very cost effective manner.
New and existing clients are entitled to one (1) complimentary Needs Analysis as our way of showing that we are commited to helping you improve and grow your business. Additional reports are then billable.
Service agreement clients receive a complimentary IT Needs Analysis (including quarterly reviews) every year as part of our support agreement.
Feel free to contact our office for more information on how to obtain your complimentary IT Needs Analysis.
Welcome!
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Solutions Unlimited, LLC was founded in April 1996 by Kevin Smith in Spartanburg, SC.
Solutions Unlimited began by building and supporting custom computer systems and has since evolved into a full-service IT consulting and support firm. Our office is located in Spartanburg, SC — just off Business 85 and Bryant Road. Click
View Larger Map“>here for a map.
Our main office phone number is (864) 599-8678. Office hours are weekdays from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
We offer full-service computer consulting and IT support services to businesses in and around Spartanburg County. Our primary service area is Spartanburg county, but we have clients located in Spartanburg, Greer, Greenville, Polk county, Shelby, Gastonia, Asheville, Knoxville, and Charlotte areas.
For more information on our services, please call or email our office.