Small businesses often find themselves at the inadvertent crossroads of implementing a new email service or upgrading their own. In the past, it was customary to have Microsoft Exchange installed on a Windows server that was hosted in house. In recent years, other options have surfaced and more affordable, hassle free alternatives are being considered by emerging and mid-sized companies.
One product that is challenging Microsoft Exchange is Google Apps. Google Apps is a suite of applications that was designed for the browser. The easy-to-use product offers access to email, calendaring, instant messaging, and video conferencing among others. Google Apps does not require any installation or maintenance and is competitively priced per user on a monthly or annual basis.
The Google Docs feature, which is included in the suite at no extra charge, allows users to work simultaneously in real-time on editing documents, spreadsheets or presentations. The feature also offers predesigned, customizable document templates which can be easily published through the web.
The Google Mobile feature, also included in the suite, offers free connectivity to your Blackberry, iPhone, Treo, Palm, or Windows Mobile device and many smart phones as well.
For some, the idea of switching email services is uncomfortable and intimidating. But, if your employees are comfortable using web applications, then a switch to Google Apps could be a seamless transition for your company.
Comparing Google Apps and Microsoft Exchange
There are multiple similarities between Google Apps and Microsoft Exchange. They both offer email services, spam filtering, multiple domains (per account), email archival and web interfaces.
They have several differences as well. Google Apps and Microsoft Exchange differ in storage space, cost, document collaboration, chat features, video features, mobile phone integration and more.
Another thing to mention is that almost all smart phones have a built-in application for Microsoft Exchange, however not Google Apps. You can bet one will be developed for the suite in the near future though.
Are You Set On Your Collaboration System?
If you find yourself caught at the crossroads of email services, consider Google Apps as an aggressive option to Microsoft Exchange. The product is affordable, reliable and browser-based. It delivers quality features to your desktop (or phone) and offers multiple applications that reflect business professionalism without the hassle of rebooting your email server several times a week.