Computer Assistance Services
Network Administration
Network Services and Troubleshooting for Small Business

Network Planning, Installation and Maintenance

Comparison of Various E-mail Systems:

This is a simple comparison of various e-mail systems available to small offices.

PDF file: Comparison in table format.

Microsoft Exchange: The exchange system is a mail server that is part of your local office network. Microsoft Exchange is available to be installed on a windows server or it also comes as a component of Small Business Server.

  • many choices for sharing information, all aspects of outlook are available to share, including tasks

  • part of a tight office network because Windows Small Business Server is windows server plus exchange server

  • very good integration with Iphone, blackberry less so  requires blackberry server for exchange

  • very good remote access for laptop and iphone

  • web interface: outlook web -  very good

Cost: High up front cost, but it is an investment in your office infrastructure. $1000 - $5000 and up plus setup cost. Also on-going maintenance.

Google Apps: A Mail server hosted by Google

  • relatively low cost of entry - can be a free service

  • all data and services are “in the cloud”

  • sync with smart phone for contacts and calendar

  • calendar sharing – limited sharing compared with Exchange but can schedule appointments with others in the organization

  • gmail for web interface

Cost: $50 per year per user for the premium service. Can also be a free service. Initial setup cost seems relatively low.

Hosted Mail and Web Server: Traditional system used in small business

  • low cost

  • combines web hosting with mail service

  • Outlook can be used as can any other mail client. No sharing or collaboration.

  • outside the office

  • horde for web interface

  • horde for web interface

Cost: Annual rate from $240 to $2000 depending on number of users and features

Hosted Exchange: Microsoft Exchange Server "in the cloud".

  • all the benefits of exchange but "in the cloud". Comcast service uses SharePoint for most of the data sharing and requires a separate log. Users must log in frequently. Password is not saved.

  • relatively high monthly cost (Comcast service is provided with Business Class Service)

  • Outlook is the primary mail client.

  • outside the office - less management than local server

  • web interface: outlook web -  very good

  • very good remote access for laptop and iphone. No real support for Blackberry but they can get their mail normally.

Cost: Up to $15 per user per month. 2.99 per user with Comcast business.





 

Computer Consulting
Network Administration
Wireless Networking
Residential Networking
Video Surveillance
Website Development
Help Desk
Home
Computer Assistance Services - info@computerassistanceservices.com

Schuyler Kuhl
61 Old South Rd. #105
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508)680-6657

Computer Assistance Services on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts provides computer troubleshooting and small business computer networking services. We serve all areas of Nantucket and also provide services related to nantucket_wireless_networking.php, residential computer services, video surveillance, low voltage wiring, computer consulting and SONOS multi-zone audio installation and troubleshooting.

Wireless networking is important for both home and business users. Computer Assistance Services provides reliable Wireless networking services on Nantucket, MA. There should be a strong wireless signal in all rooms of the house. There should be no dead spots in the wireless signal.

Home computer users on Nantucket can experience many types of problems. Computer Assistance Services can provide computer troubleshooting and hardware repair. Many users have problems with computer viruses and spyware. We are experts in spyware removal and virus prevention.

Many small businesses rely on their computer systems. Offices rely on e-mail, word processing, document sharing, reservation systems and other important computer systems. Users want remote access to their computer systems, mobility is emphasized as is efficiency.

Computer users and businesses need to have reliable and efficient computer processes.