At the recommendation of a colleague, I decided to forgo self hosting my domain's email and give Google Apps a try.
This move has certainly proven to be a great one, as I not only get the familiar GMail interface available from anywhere at any time, but we can all agree that you can't go wrong leaning on a stable platform that is Google's infrastructure. Peace of mind and software that works above all else.
I have, by no stretch of the imagination, exerted the kind of "load" that some may wish and will be more than able to put on the service. Things like using the full gamut of all available application including more common use ones like Calendar, Google Talk or even Google Docs. I do see myself starting to embrace web applications over the more common desktop application (especially on the personal aspect) as a platform.
Scott Hanselman has a VERY comprehensive post on his process and later on his take of the service and his usual detailed pros/cons, good/bad/ugly features. Him being a much earlier adopter and having different criteria and needs, went with the paid Premier Edition, whereas I elected the Free Standard edition. Check out the edition comparison chart.
The signup and configuration process was incredibly simple. One important thing you should have available before signing up is all your domain DNS management information handy. If you host your domain's DNS with a 3rd party provider, make sure you are ready and able to make changes.
I use ZoneEdit for my DNS provider, it is free up to 5 domains and up to a certain traffic limit which at the moment escapes my mind, but that is certainly a non issue for normal use.
You will need to edit your DNS settings to point your MX records to Google's designated servers. For this and during the process, they use a wizard that is incredibly smart. I liked that they put some thought into things like the simple fact that they knew who my DNS host was and included directions specific to ZoneEdit. Simple but powerful in providing the best user experience.
Once you are all setup and ready to go, you will get a Start Page you can customize with things like a company or personal logo, and the myriad of other portal parts available from Google. I am running at "vanilla" level. Spicing things up on the web front it one of those things I know I have to get to. That and revamping my so year 2000 domain home page, including but not limited to my resume and content (hmm, WHAT content?).
My excuse? I am seriously graphically challenged and rely heavily on my friend and coworker Adam Gilson to provide the much needed touch to the look and feel of my presence. I know if I continue with the "bug the heck out of him" approach, I will soon see a nicely redone image!
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