The emerging technology of cloud computing is set to capture a lot of interest in 2009 and is widely predicted to have explosive growth over the coming years. Brands we all know well such as Google, Microsoft and IBM are converging on this new technology with a range of services and applications aimed specifically at Cloud Computing. Inquisitive individuals will be asking what is it? And what are benefits and risks to my organisation? As part of our commitment to thought leadership within Knowledge and Information Management TFPL has decided to create an event to better understand this technology from some of the early adopters and experts in this field.
One of early adopters is the Guardian Media Group (GMC) who were featured on Thursday in computing.co.uk* discussing their plan to use Web 2.0 and Cloud solutions to cope with the challenging economic conditions. The publisher has embraced Google Apps to replace Microsoft Office as part of a strategy that will see Lotus Notes replaced by Google Mail by the end of 2009. They have recently moved to a new HQ in
London's Kings Cross following a review of GMG's operations and have made significant cost savings and also introduced new cultural changes. Andy Beale Technology Director said "The reason that Web 2.0 tools, and in particular Google Apps, are so effective at improving efficiency is that they are inherently collaborative. Our decision to use Google was, in part, because it uses familiar models - email and office applications - but takes them in a different direction".
By moving into the cloud GMG has been able to benefit from these recent initiatives including server virtualisation and the removal of complex Virtual Private Networks which is saving the group £30m a year in energy and maintenance costs alone, as well as the rollout of Google Apps. The workforce will also reap rewards from Web-based tools as they provide a more flexible environment for remote workers. "Companies that can move to adapt web technology for its workforce are going to be more attractive to candidates and that will continue to be an important factor during the recession," said Beale.
Andy Beale will be presenting a case study at TFPL's event Get Inside the Cloud of Information where he will be joined by a range of professionals to discuss the wider impact of Cloud Computing. John Sheridan, Head of E-Services at The National Archives, an expert in emerging technologies and adviser to the UK Government will be discussing the challenges and opportunities Cloud Computing brings to the information profession. Ibrahim Hasan, Information Lawyer will be explaining how businesses can manage private data in public places and what effect Cloud Computing will have on existing legislation. Lynn Collier from Hitachi Data Systems Ltd will put into perspective the economic model behind Cloud Computing and how organisations can maximise savings and create better efficiencies. The case study from the Guardian Media Group will be complemented by further examples of the use of cloud technologies at The University of Westminster and Erith Ltd. The Chair for the day will be Roger James, ICT Director, University of Westminster who will be hosting a Q&A session with the speakers.
* Guardians of the digital age. (2009 February 26). computing p. 9.
Another benefit of moving to Google Apps Premier Edition is that Google currently has thousands of users worldwide continually testing the Beta code in the form of public-use GMail. The code eventually makes its way to the Google Apps Enterprise edition. Which means that the Google Apps Enterprise users get the code with all the bugs fixed. You can't get this type of Beta testing from any other vendor........
Question:
Any thoughts on how a large organization can mass migrate Lotus Notes email/calendar/contacts to Google Apps (Premier version)? Currently Google Apps doesn't support migration from Lotus Notes.
Found two 3rd party products that seems to offer migration:
http://www.connectedsw.com/Overview/57263
http://www.isrus.com/so_it_solution_googleapps_...
Has anyone used them? If so, how did the migration go?
Posted by: Saqib Ali | 04 April 2009 at 23:37