While Google Apps gives you a solution that is easy to use and learn, any change in an organization must be planned carefully to ensure that the migration to Google Apps makes a positive impact on your users.  2020Tek has developed this deployment planning checklist and guide to help you through the process of deploying Google Apps.  If you find that you need additional assistance 2020Tek offers as much or little help as you need to successfully plan and implement Google Apps.

• Plan your Google Apps Deployment – This stage of the process allows you to take a look at your entire organization and how your users interact with applications such as Email, Calendar, and Document creation tools.  During the planning phase you will need to decide whether you one to make a one time switch to Google Apps or start with a pilot where only some users will test Google Apps.  After deciding if you will make the one time switch or a pilot you next need to look at what changes will be made.  If you are planning a Pilot of Google Apps please see our Google App Pilot Plan.
• Sign up for Google Apps and Configure your Google Apps Domain Account – At this stage you will actually sign up for Google Apps either through Google or an Google Apps Authorized Reseller such as 2020Tek.  Once you have your account set up and have verified ownership of your domain you are ready to configure your Google Apps Domain.
• Migration and Implementation – With your Google Apps Domain Account configured you are now ready to move your users data from your existing solution to Google Apps.  You have a variety of options for what data is moved and how to move it.  In most scenarios the best practice will to migrate your users data including Email, Calendar, and Contacts.  This will make the move to Google Apps easier on your users and will allow them to begin realizing the benefits sooner.  Also at this time you will need to either configure Outlook or install Google Apps shortcuts so that your users can easily gain access to their Email, Calendar, Contacts, and Documents.
• Communications and Training - Before you actually switch your users to Google Apps you will have already sent out communications on why your company is Switching to Google Apps and what to expect.  These premigration materials will also give your users basic instructions on how to access and use Google Apps.  During training you will plan one or several webinars or seminars to show your users to effectively use Google Apps.  This training is essential to realizing your investment into Google Apps.  With the proper training your users will learn how to collaborate more effectively and use the tools that you have provided.
• Support and Further Integration – Just like any new tool there will be some adjustment time needed before everyone feels comfortable using it.  Google Apps is no different during the first 1-2 months be prepared to help your users make the adjustment.  Often the support questions that come with Google Apps revolve around performing a task that they used to do in your old solution.  Google Apps makes work easier through new collaboration tools but users will need to know what those tools are and how to use them before they can take advantage of them.  After the initial adjustment time your support needs for Google Apps will drop significantly and you will then only have support requests for things such as adding users, deleting users, lost passwords, and new Google Sites.