Here you can download recent research documents from Collaborative Strategy Guild members.
How Much is Your E-mail Worth?: Quantifying the Total Value Investment (TVI) of SaaS E-mail to Small and Medium Businesses
Many Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) are considering a move to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model for their e-mail environment. The base subscription price on a move like this can be intoxicatingly low; however, a move of this magnitude and impact is best supported through a complete quantitative analysis of the corresponding costs and benefits.
On the cost side of the equation, it is important to identify and assess total cost of ownership (TCO) over the lifetime of the e-mail solution and not just the subscription price. This includes costs associated with continued administration, integration with line of business applications, migration, and training. But a simple TCO estimate is inadequate in the face of evaluating alternatives that have significantly different functionality.
Mitigating Risk and Finding Opportunity in Software as a Service (SaaS) E-mail for Small and Medium Businesses
Software as a Service (SaaS) e-mail offerings provide some operational productivity benefits at lower prices, although it is not a silver bullet, and should not be considered a compromise to existing solutions. SaaS e-mail service bundles can provide capabilities not previously available with existing e-mail solutions especially with operational aspects of managing an e-mail infrastructure. Although total cost of ownership (TCO) is a leading driver for choosing SaaS e-mail, customers should approach SaaS e-mail options based on how the solution will improve the e-mail experience and increase user and operational productivity as well as mitigate risks.
Gauging the Real Value of Software as a Service (SaaS) E-mail for Small and Medium Businesses
The e-mail market is rapidly evolving as new business-grade software as a service (SaaS) e-mail options become a viable alternative to the traditional on-site e-mail by competing on price and value. Information Technology (IT) decision makers are pressured to reduce costs, so they’re considering a move to SaaS e-mail solutions, which is driving businesses to scrutinize current e-mail strategies. Making a SaaS e-mail decision depends upon the unique needs of the business and how available options not only offer cost savings, but also productivity value.
In this paper, Collaborative Strategy Guild founding member, Karen Hobert, focuses on the SaaS e-mail market, its impact on small and medium businesses (SMBs), and how to find the real value in different product offerings.