It’s 2009 and many new items are on the docket. The Paperless project is coming along (already removed at least one ream of paper – more to go), my Canon printer is back up and running and I am raring to go for working with new clients.

Speaking of new clients, I am just wrapping up with one now. I must say, it’s very enjoyable to see a new client get their business up and running utilizing simple services and tools. When you remove the complexity of IT and the cumbersome work it generally includes by replacing it with Software-as-a-Service (Saas), things just go smoother.

I am a big advocate of Google Apps for your domain. I use it myself because it takes very little time to set up, configure and deploy. Further, I don’t have to maintain it. Most importantly, it is FREE. You can’t beat free. Google does offer an upgraded edition (Premier) with additional features. However, for most small businesses, the Standard edition will suffice.

Getting back to the client, her needs are pretty straightforward. Small office – three users. Now, with Google Apps, they have shared calendars, email accounts from the same domain, and they can share documents as well as ideas. This all occurs in a simple web user interface as well.

I’ll be writing a case study to detail exactly what we did to ensure success for this small business. Until then, enjoy the beginning of this New Year. May it bring you many blessings.

Tags: Apple, Clients, DEVONthink, Paperless