I am part of a much smaller association, but some people always bring up those ideas that sound great, but in reality just don't work.
I am sure you could design something simple enough and subcontract the install, or just pay a company to do the whole soup to nuts install. The issue is ongoing support and troubleshooting. What if something breaks? Or what if people THINK something is broken? That hourly rate adds up fast. Someone is bound to start complaining their access is "slow". Someone is bound to set up some sort inappropriate server/service. A virus is bound to spread some malware and steal some identities. "Shared" community resources always lead to disputes. I wouldn't want my association touching this at ALL.
Most people bundle services like TV, internet, and voice. The only way I would consider it is if a local telco / cable provider came in and offered to provide the backbone, service, and support. I assume all the units are already wired for cable/phone.
Having done the the same thing a half dozen times...
Choices are typically:
a) GoogleApps
b) Hosted Exchange (or Exchange-like system)
c) Deploying an MS SBS system locally
d) Deploying an Exchange-like alternative locally
You can make the pitch for whatever you think is best. You are going to own and support it so you have to be comfortable with it. Make the matrix, pros and cons. Considerations might include:
a) backups
b) compliance
c) integration with mobile devices
d) what happens if you are 100 people? aka, future planning scenarios
Some management is all about the "cloud"... while others care less and just want it to work. Every situation is different.
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I am part of a much smaller association, but some people always bring up those ideas that sound great, but in reality just don't work. I am sure you could design something simple enough and subcontract the install, or just pay a company to do the whole soup to nuts install. The issue is ongoing support and troubleshooting. What if something breaks? Or what if people THINK something is broken? That hourly rate adds up fast. Someone is bound to start complaining their access is "slow". Someone is bound to set up some sort inappropriate server/service. A virus is bound to spread some malware and steal some identities. "Shared" community resources always lead to disputes. I wouldn't want my association touching this at ALL. Most people bundle services like TV, internet, and voice. The only way I would consider it is if a local telco / cable provider came in and offered to provide the backbone, service, and support. I assume all the units are already wired for cable/phone.
Having done the the same thing a half dozen times... Choices are typically: a) GoogleApps b) Hosted Exchange (or Exchange-like system) c) Deploying an MS SBS system locally d) Deploying an Exchange-like alternative locally You can make the pitch for whatever you think is best. You are going to own and support it so you have to be comfortable with it. Make the matrix, pros and cons. Considerations might include: a) backups b) compliance c) integration with mobile devices d) what happens if you are 100 people? aka, future planning scenarios Some management is all about the "cloud"... while others care less and just want it to work. Every situation is different.