Google Apps for my domain, any disadvantages?

June 8, 2008 7:38 PM

Is there any disadvantage to switching to Google Apps for my domain over just using regular gmail?

When google first opened "google apps for your domain" I tried it out. I loved using the gmail interface but still using my domain address.

Unfortunately not everything was ready for prime time. For instance, using igoogle as my start page didn't work as well as when I simply signed in with a gmail address.

I was thinking of trying google apps for your domain again, but was curious if there's anything that's not quite up to just using my gmail address for everything. In other words, right now I just use [e-mail] for everything (email, reader, etc.).

I guess what I'm asking is, any regrets about switching over from just using regular gmail?

posted by gtr to computers & internet (4 comments total)

This thread has some info on the matter. I haven't switched myself so I can't comment.
posted by sharkfu at 7:44 PM on June 8, 2008

The biggest problem is the inability to integrate Reader, Picasa and some of the other toys -- you basically have to access them through a separate Google Account.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:53 PM on June 8, 2008

This thread has some info on the matter.

Wow, thank you. Not sure how I missed that.

The biggest problem is the inability to integrate Reader, Picasa and some of the other toys -- you basically have to access them through a separate Google Account.

Ahh, thank you. That's what I was worried about.
posted by gtr at 8:31 PM on June 8, 2008

I manage the web site for a non-profit professional organization. A few months ago, I decided to sign up for Google Apps because I like the GMail interface and also wanted to take advantage of using services like GCalendar and GDocs for the organization.

Signing up for Google Apps was easy. But if you change your mind and want to switch your email back to your server, it is a HASSLE! I should clarify that by using Google Apps to "serve" up your server's email, you have to change the MX records with your web host provider so that all email is forwarded to Google. If your web host uses CPanel to let you administer your web space, changing the MX records is pretty easy.

But I strongly urge you to consider WHY you want to have Google manage your email? If the web mail interface your web host provides isn't the best, you can always install another web mail program. Remember that email on your server is relatively secure. Once your hand control of your email to Google, you cannot control who is reading your emails or what mailing lists your email addresses may end up on.
posted by jingo1974 at 5:38 PM on June 10, 2008