Why use Google Apps?

Why should I use Google Apps?

The Google Apps suite is comprised of a multitude of applications such as Docs, Calendar, and Groups, created for the purpose of organized, real-time collaboration and sharing. If you are part of an organization that is still restrained by systems such as, Microsoft Exchange, Novell GroupWise, or Lotus Notes, but aren’t quite familiar enough with Google Apps to switch over, take a look at some of the major reasons to switch!

Reasons to switch to Google Apps

1. Messaging: Google Apps email is considered one of the most advantageous web based email solutions because of many reasons: 25 GB of storage per user, spam and virus protection powered by Postini, simple and accurate search functions, thread organized emails, online and offline email access, the ability to sync your emails with any type of smart phone, etc. The list goes on and on with beneficial features that Google Apps email contains, all of which can help your organization simplify your messaging. In addition to the email messaging platform, Google Apps email has an instant message chat feature that allows you to instant message any user with a domain registered in the Google Apps platform. G-chat is not only a visual chat, but can be used as an audio or video chat as well.
2. Customizable from every angle: Google Apps allows admins in your organization to customize almost every aspect of your Google Apps suite. When you first register for Google Apps you are able to select the apps that have shortcuts across the top of your screen. Once you have set that up you are still able to customize your domain by replacing the Google logo in the top corner with your own logo. From color schemes to domain and user aliases, every inch of the Google Apps suit is customizable to your liking.
3. Contacts: If you are migrating from a legacy system and have a large amount of data and contacts stored from years of work that would devastate you to lose, yet you still want to go with Google Apps, there is a way to do it. Cloud Sherpas is full of migration specialists that personally take your contacts and other data from your legacy system and transfer it to your new Google Apps account without losing any information. With Google Apps, you are able to sync your contacts with your mobile device, search contact, and import and export contacts. You will receive contact suggestions as determined by the people you email frequently.
4. Google Docs: If collaboration among all members in your organization is important to you, then Google Docs is right up your alley. In Google Docs, users have the ability to choose who is allowed to edit, view, or share a document. Users can collaborate on a document in real time, while making comments and changes that become immediately visible. It is also incredibly simple to share documents among users on the same domain through folders and sub-folders that are easy to search for and find.
5. Google Calendar: Similar to contacts, Google Calendar allows users to sync their calendars from legacy systems without losing any information. And similar to Google Docs, Google Calendar allows users to share events with other users. The system also sends your account an email reminding you of an event prior to the event starting. You can edit your preferences to how long before your event you are reminded. Thanks again to the cloud you have access to your calendar whether online or offline.

Other Benefits

1. 100% browser based cloud service
2. No manual updates required
3. No hardware or software
4. Google Apps Standard Edition = Free
5. Google Apps for Business = $50 per user per year, No hidden fees or extra charges
6. Support available 24/7
7. 24/7 threat identification
8. 99.9% Uptime
9. Automatic updates from Google; no need to manually update each machine