This post from Lifehacker is much more snarky than it needs to be but I'm passing it along because it does give some good alternatives to software most of us use every day.
Their takes on the software they bash are not necessarily completely accurate, but it's always better to have an alternative than not. Some of the criticisms are accurate for relatively under-powered computers but not for the standard business computer many of us are still using.
Take a look and see if any of the software alternatives can help you in your business. If you have questions about any of them, let me know!
Superior Alternatives to Crappy Windows Software:
Visit On-Site Technical Solutions for information on how you can move to Google Apps or other Cloud Computing applications. Call us for all of your network computing and business IT needs. We can also help with your data security and mobile computing. Follow us online below. Call or text me at 1-949-212-2168.
We're not doing as much with Microsoft in the Cloud as we are with other vendors (Google, Box.net, Apple and line of business and CRM applications), but Microsoft does have Cloud offerings and a Cloud strategy. We think they came late to the party and are trying to force customers into their hybrid strategy even if a pure cloud model will work better for the business. But they do have options that can work cost-effectively in the SMB market.
Having said that, here is the link to the Microsoft Cloud Power website which provides an overview of their Cloud offerings. We are using Microsoft's Cloud tools for clients that prefer to keep a Microsoft environment and primarily for the Office applications.
Most of our clients, especially those who need servers for line of business applications, are still in hybrid environments with both Cloud and local functionality and processes.
Our server environments remain Microsoft - no one comes close to Microsoft in business network servers. Linux is great for single purpose servers (e.g. website, mail, app or terminal), but Microsoft Windows Server is still the tool of choice for managing computers on a network, even if the server is in the Cloud.
We are in the process of replacing a server at an existing client. When we calculated the three year cost of ownership for their situation the Cloud server ended up being about $100-300 cheaper over three years. Because we need to test all of their processes using the Cloud functionality, we recommended they keep a local server for another three years and revisit the Cloud then. The local server is a known quantity, while the Cloud version could present us with some surprises. We also expect the Cloud landscape to be completely different in three years - or less.
It's important for businesses to keep up with the changes in technology because they happen so quickly and can immediately add to your bottom line - or your competitor's. Call us if you'd like to talk about Microsoft's or anyone else's Cloud offerings.
Visit On-Site Technical Solutions for information on how you can move to Google Apps or other Cloud Computing applications. Call us for all of your network computing and business IT needs. We can also help you with your data security and mobile computing. Follow us online below or visit our website. Call or text me at 1-949-212-2168.
