If your business is expanding and you asking yourself is it really convenient to pay for Google Apps for business, I must admit it is a tough question because there are many factors that must be considered. Considering that many people are accustomed to using Gmail and we have a whole suite of products that we can use (like Docs, Calendar, etc.), it is a good idea. But we have to consider some other things, because, unlike Gmail, Google Apps account is not free. Is it really a good idea to sign up for Google Apps for Business?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors that are entirely personal and vary according to the type of business that we undertake and we already have but we want to change. Finally, when we talk about Google Apps we are referring to Google Apps for Business, a paid service. What we have to consider before paying for the service?
Do we need all products
When you sign up for Google Apps you will get the access to Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, and Sites, among other things. Now, they are all excellent services but you have to ask yourself if you’re really gonna use them. If you need to create collaborative documents then it is perfect for us. However if you are planing to continue using Microsoft Office, OpenOffice or other similar programs to manage your documents, then you can begin to contemplate cheaper options and Google Apps is not really for you.
Storage space
With Google Apps you will also have access to Google Drive. But you will get only 5GB of available space, which is the same as for free account, so if you have in mind to use more of it, you have to consider other options.
Mobility
With Google Apps you will also increase mobility and portability of your business information’s so employees and partners can access their email, calendar and other information from any web enabled device including their smart phones, tablets or laptops.
The number of users
If you have a small business with two or three partners, your expense for Google Apps won’t be high. They are $5 per month per account, and $50 per user account per year, which means that each new mail that we have to add cost us some money and if you have dozens or hundreds of partners, first make calculations and see if you will be able to cover all expenses.
Your growth
If you are projecting a growth of the company in a given amount of time, then you also have to consider that you will have to add more email accounts, so you will need to increase investment.
With these keys in mind, you can determine whether or not your business need Google Apps. My recommendation is to be implemented for mid-sized businesses, which have a projection of future revenue to sustain the investment in this service, which essentially requires the use of all services.
