Key Benefits from Outsourcing Microsoft Exchange
The following identifies key dimensions (issue areas) associated with operating corporate email infrastructure based on Microsoft Exchange. Within each issue area a comparison is made between an "in-house" or "on-premises" implementation vs. an "outsourced" or "Info Exchange Hosted" implementation. The results are quite surprising... Read On...
Issue 1: Financial Investment
Do-it Yourself (In-House) Implementation
Large, unpredictable financial investment needed. The cost for the hardware and software needed to properly support and launch Exchange is often thousands of US Dollars, plus the cost for hiring and managing additional IT staff. In addition, the costs for ongoing maintenance, upkeep and storage can be very unpredictable.
Info Exchange Hosted Implementation
Initial costs are minimal and fixed. With a hosted solution, your costs to implement and launch are minimal, as it has already made the investment for you. There is no need to purchase hardware or software; no need to hire and train new IT personnel. Your costs are low, more fixed and easier to budget.
Issue 2: IT Resources
Do-it Yourself (In-House) Implementation
Requires dedicated IT resources. Managing a typical e-mail system, Server & Patch management, Anti Virus and anti-Spam management, for a 75 person company can take up as much as 95% of a senior technician's time.
Info Exchange Hosted Implementation
No dedicated IT resources required. User maintenance can be performed by non-technical staff via an Online Control Panel provided with the service. All system/server management is performed by Info Exchange.
Issue 3: Deployment
Do-it Yourself (In-House) Implementation
Longer time to deploy. The average deployment time is often at least 30 days for an in-house messaging and collaboration solution with dedicated staff. We have only assumed a 10-day basic implementation via Contracted Staff for this analysis. This cost can be MUCH higher.
Info Exchange Hosted Implementation
Significantly shorter and potentially same-day deployment. The average deployment time through Info Exchange is no more than a matter of hours with a shared environment, a few days more for a dedicated solution, using your own domain.
Issue 4: Reliability & Maintenance
Do-it Yourself (In-House) Implementation
Lack of redundancy, poor administration, delay in upgrades - any of these can cause security and/or performance issues. Server crashes and/or e-mail interruptions cause business delays and loss of productivity.
Info Exchange Hosted Implementation
Updates performed in timely manner by trained experts. Quality of service is guaranteed by SLA (99.9% uptime), along with Backup-service, and same business day technical support. Direct Tier-1 24x7 phone support is an available add-on.
Issue 5: Security & Upgrades
Do-it Yourself (In-House) Implementation
Constant vigilance required to combat viruses and SPAM. Delay in upgrades. Costly, complex security solutions
Info Exchange Hosted Implementation
Security and mobility services available on-demand. Basic features included with service; advanced features available at low cost.