Google Apps vs. Exchange 2007

[oldBastard]

Howzit

Got some questions. I have pm'ed Garyvdh about this so maybe he can add some more in put to it as well.

We currently have one server that acts as DHCP, DNS, AD and exchange. Exchange is 2007, setup only to the minimum.

We have a 256K diginet line for emails inbound and outbound at a cost of + R8k p/m.

Our current contract with our main client expires and the boss is moving back to our domain. He want push email enabled/BB services enabled. I know for BB services we need to get a new server and s/w, so that only leaves push email. Exchange 2007 have this service all ready installed.

But now comes Google Apps for Business in. If you go with them you get a 25 gig email space, BB service's, push email, etc. all for $50 per user per year. We are only 9 people in the office.

For outside access we use Cisco VPN client. Only 2 people are in the office, 3 that use's vpn during the day and me any time of the day or week.

Comparing price wise for email:

1. Hardware - HDD space
2. Tapes for Backups
3. Diginet line
4. Maintenance

Worked out to be over R100k per year

Comparing Google Apps:

1. A yearly license upgrade

For 10 licenses ($50*10=$500) work out to, with the current exchange rate to just over R3500 per year.

I get more services out of Google and setup out of the box in a flash with no new hardware requirements.

Any thoughts? Comments? From a financial point of view will save a crap load of money and less stress on me.

 

[ettienem]

Google Apps

I would say go for Google Apps

Company I work for have been using it now for about a year and we are all very happy with it, especially if you start using Google Docs as well. Then you don't even have to buy ant Office licenses.

We also use it with our BES and it works flawlessly.

 

[ponder]

If using google do you intend keeping local copies of the email?

 

[oldBastard]

Well u do get a 25 gig account and Google also has a tool to uoad your current pst file to the account.

Will enable imap then you don't have to pop or if ur pc crash then download all the mail again.

And will also drop exch service then.

 

[macxsanity]

Definatly go for google apps ..... you might just need to upgrade you internet line speed because google apps chows bandwitdh when you are synchronising large mail boxes

 

[oldBastard]

Definatly go for google apps ..... you might just need to upgrade you internet line speed because google apps chows bandwitdh when you are synchronising large mail boxes

Yea we've got an uncapped 1 meg line at the office, but like I said only 2 people at the office, might change, but once sync has done then it will be fine.