Cloud services for email, calendaring, storage

[MagicDude4Eva]

I am currently running a number of self-hosted mail accounts (in addition to iCloud for iOS and Gmail) and pretty much the same applies for the rest of the family. As much as I like GMail (or Google Apps) it does not integrate very well with iOS devices (i.e. backup and syncing of content is native to iCloud.com) and I am exploring right now free and paid services and any feedback/suggestions are welcome - my choices right now (keeping in mind we use iOS and OS X):

- Self-hosted: Is a PITA as anything you do is not widely supported (obviously email, calendaring, addressbooks are standard, but for example iOS backups/synching don't work).
- iCloud.com: Probably the best option, but storage is limited (I think it's 50 USD/p.a. for 25GB or just 5GB for free account). Works seamless with iOS, OSX
- GMail / Google Apps: GMail is free, but you can't use your own domain. Google Apps is 5 USD/account and you can use your own domain. No native sync support for photos/music via iOS (obviously mail/calendaring/addressbook works)
- Outlook.com: Uh well, it's Microsoft, but the one appealing part is that their Office365 business package also allows use of the Office desktop versions. Still - not really well supported on iOS or other device platforms.

Any other suggestions?

 

[w1z4rd]

Nope, doesnt get better than Gmail. Have you thought of getting a more modern phone instead?

(Yeah, least helpful post ever

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

Nope, doesnt get better than Gmail. Have you thought of getting a more modern phone instead?

(Yeah, least helpful post ever

Like what? Had Android and didn't like it. Then moved on to iPhone4. Then convinced myself that BB10 is the next thing (what a PITA) and now waiting for the iPhone5s - but guessing from your comments iPhone5s is not a modern phone?

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Nokia?

/runs

Not sure how it integrates well with gmail etc...

I'm more likely to get another 'droid phone when upgrade time comes, due to the integration with gmail etc.

 

[nic777]

I am seeing a lot of host-yourself cloud applications being developed and they seem very good. Maybe check out OwnCloud http://owncloud.org/features/ (although I don't see email there).

Sparkleshare is also one I have been following but its more a dropbox than an own cloud like above.

I also now of Zarafa where you cold install yourself or use their services: http://www.zarafa.com/content/hosted-zarafa That is proper "groupware" as they used to call it - mail, calendar, contacts

Zimbra might work as well.

Give me a PM if you would like to install and need assistance.

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

Been through most of them and I think the biggest challenge is that across the various operating systems (both desktop/laptop and mobile devices) there is no real standard to allow to switch one service for another - i.e. if you use iOS/OSX iPhoto can only use iCloud.com / if you use Google then it's Google cloud. A bit of a pickle when you enjoy OSX / iOS as iCloud is not really that great (but the only native supported)

 

[bwana]

Nope, doesnt get better than Gmail. Have you thought of getting a more modern phone instead?

Gmail used to be great until they crippled it on non Android devices. I've only got until my next upgrade to decide what/where all of our domains will be moving to.

@OP - there's nothing stopping you from using multiple services including iCloud.

 

[Ipwn 4]

O365 would be the best bet, specifically the exchange online version which excludes the apps @ R40 for a 50GB mailbox per user. If 1 user has multiple accounts you can configure aliases to cut down on costs.

If the apps are important to you there is now an ios and Android version of word excel etc. The Web apps are also great if your Internet connection allows for it.

Just a word of caution though, be careful of the package limitations. If you opt for a package that has a user limit of 25 and you want to add more users thereafter it will be a full migration which is a bit of a pain.

 

[w1z4rd]

Like what? Had Android and didn't like it. Then moved on to iPhone4. Then convinced myself that BB10 is the next thing (what a PITA) and now waiting for the iPhone5s - but guessing from your comments iPhone5s is not a modern phone?

What android. Its like someone telling me they have an ios phone. That means almost nothing. I hated my first experience with android. That was because I had **** hardware. Ever since I got my S4, Im happier than a pig in a strawberry factory.

I think its a Fischer-Price phone for adults However, that is just my personal opinion Also, the 5s only arrives mid November.

 

[RNJudas]

Off the top of my head... Zimbra and Owncloud or some other collaborative groupware. Look into that. There are tons of ways to do this and all with an API to plugin to.

Zimbra - Email, Cals, Contacts - Optional Avtive Sync
Owncloud - Sync app for iOS