The risks of using free software services in your small business
There is no such thing as a free lunch! 10 reasons why you should steer clear of using free software services to run your small business
I had a pretty eventful week when a well-known TV personality lost all his email. Luckily, we were able to rally the troops and recovered his mail box in no time at all. The fact that this happened is upsetting – both to the person in question, but also to us, Microsoft, as his provider. What was more concerning in light of his celebrity status, was the fact that his email was on a free online service. It prompted me to think about the concept of free software services and its use in business.
In Australia, there are more small businesses running on a free software service than what there are on paid services – By a factor of ten. Free software is a great way to start your small business when money is tight and you really just want something to get off the ground.
However, there is a fundamental risk in doing this and as with all risk – You need to weigh the risk vs the reward. Read the full article on the Microsoft SMB Blog.
Inspired, Driven, Innovator. Infosec strategist, founder and CEO at Red Piranha
8 年lol Stuart both this article and your comment show you know nothing about information systems how does using n open source alternative with email not allow a business the ability to retain that ip exactly? Marketing ppl talking about technology should be banned from the Internet
Inspired, Driven, Innovator. Infosec strategist, founder and CEO at Red Piranha
8 年hmm this is ludicrous! the internet you use runs of open source software ie Free Software , the article is bias an even Microsoft now has shifted towards using open source for products that they fail at. Open source software has now been proven to be more secure and better supported than most propriety releases email your flames to [email protected]
Award-Winning Author of how to listen, Deep Listening & Breakthroughs | Listener| Speaker | Apple Award-Winning Podcast Host
8 年Isabel - human behaviour prefers to stay in their current state rather than change - whether its a bank account, a mortgage, your phone company or your electricity provider - email addresses falls into this camp For most of the businesses I work with, the change is too complex to change rather than lacking understanding about the risks Each year vendors like Microsoft and Google make their paid services simpler, yet not simpler than free alternatives Resellers play are critical role in helping these businesses make the transition
Chief of Staff & COO Public Sector, Microsoft Australia & New Zealand
8 年Good article Isabel. The interesting one for me is the retention of IP. So often an employee of a small business will leave to set up in competition. Do they take all their old emails with them with customer contact details or can you manage and control access. Interesting one and something many folks would overlook.