11 Feb 2009
The Guardian News and Media Group is moving to Google Apps to encourage a more collaborative working environment.
Following the successful use of the web-based tools by reporting staff during the Beijing Olympics, the publisher has decided to completely switch from Microsoft tools to Google Docs, Calendar, Sites and Video applications, which will cover around 2,400 users.
It is expected that staff email will also migrate to the Google platform early this year.
"Google Apps delivers on the promise of collaborative working and is so straightforward and familiar that we knew our users would embrace the technology," said Guardian’s technology director of enterprise operations Andy Beale.
Apart from cost savings generated by the reduction of storage, server and application maintenance, reports suggested that the use of the web-based systems is also expected to free up a third of support time spent by IT teams at the media firm.
Having major players like The Guardian Media Group showing the money saving possibilities of cloud computing should be a wake up call for companies of all sizes, as the majority are looking to streamline their IT budgets. However, it is important to lay the right foundations, as there is no escaping the fact that once the cloud becomes the home of your most critical business applications, then factors such as security, business continuity and internet connection need to be re-assessed. Our recent research showed that although nearly half of UK SMBs plan to switch to SaaS within the next five years, only 10% have considered these factors in preparation for the move. If more businesses are set to follow The Guardian's example, they need to make sure they have the best connection and support possible.
Posted by: Chris Stening, Managing Director, Easynet Connect 13 Feb 2009
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