Using Google Drive instead of file servers

Google have just announced the release of Google Drive, which allows for easy synchronization of local hard drive data with Google docs. This is very significant for me because it deals with a requirement that I often get asked about, namely having an easy cloud store for data on your hard drive.

It has always been possible to manually upload folders and files to Google docs, but Google Drive does this automatically in the background, meaning you never have to think about it. This also makes sharing the data if you want to very easy. Clearly, this is a major challenge to Dropbox which has been the dominant provider of these types of services.

The first 5GB per user is free which for Google Apps domain administrators represents extremely cheap online storage. This is ample, particularly if users are creating, storing and sharing documents as Google Docs (which are not subject to any quota).

For a number of years Google have challenged the idea that businesses require email servers, with business email being the core element of Google Apps for Business. With the addition of Google Drive, there is now an alternative for onsite file servers too.

If you'd like to discuss the use of Google Drive in a business environment or any other Google Apps, please contact me on 0843 289 0462 or visit www.thirdwayit.co.uk to learn more.

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What is Google Vault?

Google have just announced the release of Google Vault, their new 'e-discovery' product. The two obvious questions are 'What does it do?' and 'What is it competing with'?

The answer to the first question is that Google Vault allows domain administrators to retain and search all incoming and outgoing emails from a Google Apps for Business domain. This is often required by businesses that decide to retain this information for legal purposes (in the event of a legal dispute this information can be requested).

Up until now, this job has been served by the use of  'Google Message Discovery' by Postini, but the benefit of Vault is that it is part of the Google Apps domain rather than a separate product. That's going to make it much easier to configure and use, always a good thing. 

Another improvement on GMD is that Vault will be extended to include Google Docs. Again, a number of solutions exist to archive and retain Google Docs, but having this functionality integrated into the domain admin control panel will make life much easier.

At this stage, Vault will only be available to Google Apps for Business customers, and not users of the education edition for which GMD will remain the recommended product.

The cost of Google Vault is expected to be equivalent to that of Google Apps itself (£3.30 / user / month) and as a Google Apps Authorized Reseller, I'm looking forward to this being part of the product offering.  If you'd like to discuss the use of Google Vault with your Apps domain, please feel free to get get in touch.

Ray Allen 

Third Way IT

Google Apps Authorized Reseller (UK)

0843 289 0462

Why 'Third Way'?

I often get asked why I called 'Third Way IT' the name I did. It's partly for want of a better name, but it was also in response to my observations of third party suppliers that I felt lacked pragmatism or an acceptance that customers like to (or have to) work with a mix of technology, including competing products. This was a mistake I didn't want to make.

The Third Way IT approach is based on an understanding that:

1. Customers like to work with a mix of technology
2. The value of legacy systems should be recognized
3. Businesses do not want to lose control to their suppliers

Third Way IT specializes in the deployment of Google Apps for Business, but because Google Apps is 100% web and uses open API,s there is a recognition that it won't be (and shouldn't be) used in isolation. It's not about one solution vs another solution, or outsourcing vs inhouse. It's choosing a better more pragmatic, third way. 

Ray Allen

Third Way IT

5 reasons to purchase Google Apps licenses through an Authorized Reseller

Why working with a reseller makes sense


1. It costs the same. As an authorized reseller we can provide Google Apps, Vault and Drive at the same price that you would get by purchasing direct from Google.

2. Support. You retain 24/7 support from Google, but have the benefits of a relationship with a UK vendor.

3. Value added services. As your approved vendor, we're there if you need services that Google can't provide for you such as training, integration with legacy systems and migration services. 

4. Security and best practice. With a domain admin support agreement we can help provide you with additional administrator support which can be helpful for user, group and application management.

5. UK billing. Purchasing Google Apps through Third Way IT means that your purchase is UK based and treated as such for VAT purposes which many companies prefer (reverse charge VAT applies to Google Apps purchased direct).

See our products page for more information on using us as your Google Apps vendor or to sign up for a free trial.