Since most of our solutions are either outright designed for or highly applicable to educational institutions, we deal with schools a lot. One question that comes up a fair bit is about the differences between the Google Apps for Education and Microsoft’s Live@Edu systems and their pro’s and con’s.
Here it is, our favorite reason to NOT go with Google Apps: Corporate Email Skills.
We believe that “getting prepared to use Corporate Email” is pretty much the antithesis of “getting prepared for your future”. The attitude so beautifully summarized in this Live@Edu tweet is precisely what got our education IT systems to where we are now, and a clear indication of what’s driving Live@Edu.
Attitude aside, arguing specific application features is not very useful- they are all fast-moving targets. What may actually be important to you is getting your data out, and ability to use tools like Android devices, iPads and the like. Or even Firefox. Before jumping into Live@Edu, find out what happens should you chose to migrate away from Microsoft, or pick one of the cool new ChromeOS netbooks for use in your classrooms.
Plug: we help educational institutions migrate to Google Apps, and build tools that make Google Apps easier to use in the classroom, and reduce admin effort for schools and school districts. Contact us to find out more!
HA HA HA HA – brilliant find!