Cloud networking for my staff

[MyronGainz]

Hey Guys,

So I am looking into getting an enterprise cloud network for my staff and I (3 other people). We currently share things via email, but I think we need a shared drive now, especially for things like corporate documents and whatnot.

I like dropbox's folder capability where you can click and drag things into it's folder and it will sync. I am also looking for auto backup integration as well.

Anyone have experience with this, any suggestions? Advice is greatly appreciated guys, thanks in advance!

Myron

 

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[3things]

Google docs/drive/gmail etc apps enterprise package? it's like $5/month per employee.

http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/business/

 

[MyronGainz]

Google docs/drive/gmail etc apps enterprise package? it's like $5/month per employee.

http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/business/

Thanks for the recommendation... have you used Google Enterprise?

 

[3things]

Yes have used it a few times in the past, on both sides of it - account 'owner' and as a remote employee. Never had any issues, easy to set up and use. Not much learning curve either, most people these days will have used something in the google suite. The products are basically the same as their individual free offerings. You can't really argue with it for $5/month/person anyway. Whatever your views on google as a company their products are solid IMHO.

 

[ISP1674]

I am currently using Microsoft's Sharepoint Online to connect 13 people in two offices. We are heavily dependent on Microsoft Office so it was easy for us to integrate. We basically use it as a shared drive, but there is a lot more functionality built in. The Office 365 plans have additional options (email, video conferencing) for a few dollars more.

 

[MyronGainz]

Thanks for the reply guys.

I think it's either between Dropbox for businesses or Google enterprise

 

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[TJPB]

Google enterprise here also...working great.

 

[MyronGainz]

Google enterprise here also...working great.

Thanks boss.

Is there a folder that you have on your computer, where you can click and drag files in? (Shared drive)

Any backup capability?

 

[DrkSide]

Thanks boss.

Is there a folder that you have on your computer, where you can click and drag files in? (Shared drive)

Any backup capability?

There is a folder that it creates just like Dropbox that you can drag files into. What kind of backup functions are you looking for?

I have done 10+ setups of the Google Enterprise and each time has been great. Transitioned a few companies to it from basic email hosting and localized storage.

ETA: The folder is created when you do an installation of the Google Drive software.

 

[TJPB]

Thanks boss. Is there a folder that you have on your computer, where you can click and drag files in? (Shared drive) Any backup capability?

We use it as an actively shared folder. You can create as many folders and subfolders as you like. As we edit or create documents etc., they are saved in the drive automatically and available to anyone you share them with. In this way, you can think of it as automatic backup as they are hosted on Google's servers.

We didn't install the drive software, we just keep an open browser logged in to Google and you can click and drag any items to the folders.

Not to mention, you also have access to Google+ and Google Hangouts which is essentially like Skype. We use it all the time for video conferencing.

 

[MyronGainz]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I think Google Enterprise is the clear choice here. Much appreciated.

 

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[MyronGainz]

There is a folder that it creates just like Dropbox that you can drag files into. What kind of backup functions are you looking for?

I have done 10+ setups of the Google Enterprise and each time has been great. Transitioned a few companies to it from basic email hosting and localized storage.

ETA: The folder is created when you do an installation of the Google Drive software.

We use it as an actively shared folder. You can create as many folders and subfolders as you like. As we edit or create documents etc., they are saved in the drive automatically and available to anyone you share them with. In this way, you can think of it as automatic backup as they are hosted on Google's servers.

We didn't install the drive software, we just keep an open browser logged in to Google and you can click and drag any items to the folders.

Not to mention, you also have access to Google+ and Google Hangouts which is essentially like Skype. We use it all the time for video conferencing.

Just want to confirm, it is Google Apps for Business, correct?

http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/business/

 

[DrkSide]

Yes.

 

[Chadi]

There's one feature that I cannot live without which is Dropbox's ability to retain files' revisions. If someone overwrites or deletes a file accidentally (quite likely if 4 people work out of the same folder) you can still retrieve ANY version of that same file in the retention chain. This may or may not be important in your case but I thought I mention it.

 

[TJPB]

Just want to confirm, it is Google Apps for Business, correct?

http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/business/

Yes sir.

 

[MyronGainz]

There's one feature that I cannot live without which is Dropbox's ability to retain files' revisions. If someone overwrites or deletes a file accidentally (quite likely if 4 people work out of the same folder) you can still retrieve ANY version of that same file in the retention chain. This may or may not be important in your case but I thought I mention it.

This is good to know, thanks for this!

 

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[GravyBoat]

Sharepoint is a lot more secure than some of the other solutions given (dropbox), might be worth checking out a shared file server as well that you could all access...

 

[exige]

Does the business Google Apps force google+ all over the place like their other products? I was thinking about it but I am concerned about it "leaking" stuff out onto google+ etc. I don't want google+ pages for everything etc.

I have Office 365 right now so I have exchange email/calendaring on my phone, but its kinda pricey for what you get and I am just not a fan of their whole new look and feel. Which is sad coming from a "microsoft guy" who has done office365/sharepoint implementations.

Its like picking the lesser of two evils. Google -> get google+ shoved down your throat. Office365 -> get skydrive shoved down your throat. I get seriously annoyed with the Office desktop apps defaulting to skydrive now. I don't want my stuff anywhere near their Skydrive servers.

 

[Riddic4766]

Does the business Google Apps force google+ all over the place like their other products? I was thinking about it but I am concerned about it "leaking" stuff out onto google+ etc. I don't want google+ pages for everything etc.

You can block google+ access for all the users in your domain.

 

[Chadi]

Another alternative would be to create your own solution. At some point I'd like to pull everything from the cloud into my own "cloud". A NAS from Synology or Qnap is capable of providing a robust central storage solution with network and internet access (web, drives, and apps). No monthly fees and no limitations. It's a bit expensive to set up but should provide a good ROI (and much better privacy) over its lifetime.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about: http://www.synology.com/en-us/products/overview/DS414