Software: Google, the One Stop Shop?

My server is currently running Fedora Core 6, and with Fedora Core 9 looming, it will no longer be supported. Unlike Ubuntu, there is no simple way of updating to a new version - more specifically, no supported way. So I'm probably going to move the server over to Ubuntu to match the rest of my flock.

One of the slowest aspect of my server backups is my IMAP folder - which is nearly 3GB. As Gmail now offer 6GB and seamless IMAP, I question the need for setting up any mail folders at all. I think simply forwarding my e-mail to a Gmail account would be easier as I wouldn't have to set up IMAP, Postfix authentication, webmail or spamassasin. That crosses quite a bit off my list.

Then of course, I was going to setup an LDAP server to synchronise my contacts with my N95, but this can also be done via Gmail and Google Calendar, so I don't need to set that up either.

I was also going to setup some sort of groupware for sharing documents with the various people I collaborate with projects on, yet after being introduced to Google Documents, I really don't see the point. Is there anything Google doesn't yet cater for?

This means, migrating from my old to new server - all I really need is a copy of my apache configuration, the web folders, MySQL dump and my DNS configuration. An hours work at most - so expect that in April when Hardy Heron is released.

Lolly and I were talking about this the other day, and got a little worried on how easy it is to become entirely dependent on Google. Adsense, Analytics, Calendar, Gmail, Documents, Images, Videos, Search. The list is getting more and more comprehensive each day. Bill Gates suggesting that Google has had its day makes me laugh. However, sticking all my eggs in one basket does worry me - is it only a matter of time before Google turn evil? With a company policy of "Don't be evil" this would of course be the ultimate irony.

Instead of forwarding your mail to a Gmail account, have you considered just flat out pointing your MX record at Google and using Google Apps to handle your email?

Yep. It's free too, of course. I told you about it last weekend! Unlimited email boxes, authenticated SMTP, POP, IMAP, all of the good stuff.

bit-tech is switching to it rather than paying for a hosted exchange service like they do currently. i managed to get into the closed beta test when it was new and have used it for maybe 18 months now on my own domain, rsty.org.

now it's out of beta and open for all: http://www.google.com/a/cpanel/domain/new