Google Message Security & Compliance Solutions (Postini) platform will be transitioned into the Google Apps interface. This includes Google Message Security (GMS) and Google Message Discovery (GMD). Current Postini users will notice no difference in service, and no difference in price. Additionally, current Postini users will be grandfathered in to Google Apps at their current contract price. The only change will be the new Google interface, and the opportunity to utilize the power and scale of Google. Bi101 can help you make the most of this opportunity.

Transition timeline
When we first announced the Postini to Google Apps transition, we stated that transitions would begin in Q1 of 2013. Transitions have been postponed until at least Q3 of 2013, as Google works hard to perfect the migration tools necessary for a seamless transition for all customers. The only downside to this announcement is the fact that you won’t transition into Google sooner. We think this transition is a great move for all parties involved, especially given the added functionality the integration of Postini into Google Apps provides.

Google Apps works with multiple servers, including Microsoft Exchange, so there is no need to get a Google Apps for Business account (unless you want one, in that case, call us 😉 ). If interested in the entire suite, we can give you a free trial of Google Apps for Business.

Why Google is changing Postini products
Here’s a little background: Google is committed to helping clients transform they way they work. Back in 2007, in an effort to improve their Google Apps for Business offering, Google acquired Postini, enhancing their already robust email services.

A note from Google on the transition – “Over the past four years, Google has integrated the Postini business — including products, processes, and personnel — into our Enterprise division. This integration is moving into the next phase where new products and features developed on the Google Apps platform replace the original Postini products. Postini customers can receive comparable email security and archiving features, but on a more robust platform.”

What should Postini customers do to prepare?
Nothing!

Seriously, nothing. No need to change settings. No need to get a Google Apps account. No change in price.

When the time comes to transition, we will let you know at least 60 days beforehand! We promise. A Bi101 Account Manager will contact you to formally let you know that your Postini services will be transitioned into the Google Apps interface at least two months before they are. Migrations are slated to happen based on your contract renewal date, so expect contact from us 60 days before your Postini contract comes up. Even at this point, there will be no work required on your part. The expert team at Bi101 will migrate all user data and settings from Postini into Google Apps.  If you want to see the user guide that outlines how we transfer that data, we would be happy to share it with you. It isn’t the lightest read, but some of you might find it interesting. Call or email us and we’ll send you a copy.

If Going Google isn’t an option for you
If you absolutely cannot Go Google, you have options, and we would be happy to walk through them with you. I wrote a post a few weeks ago about what to look for in a Postini alternative. You can find it here. We recommend McAfee. We tested numerous alternatives, and McAfee came out as the clear winner for the following reasons:

1. Similarity. The McAfee pass-through architecture most closely resembles that of Postini’s.

2. Simple data migration. Bi101 has developed tools that allow us to easily migrate your Postini settings into your McAfee settings.

3. Product integrity. McAfee offers the similar product capabilities including message security, archiving, encryption, inbound filtering, web protection, and add-on business continuity capability in the event your on-premise server is not available.

4. Price. We were able to negotiate volume discounts with McAfee, so we can honor all our existing Postini contracts at their current rates. You will be grandfathered into McAfee at your current Postini price. Which is a great deal.

A note to our current Postini customers interested in McAfee: just let us know that you would prefer not to go to Google, and we will set you up with McAfee at no charge, and continue to honor the pricing on your Postini contract.

Next Steps
As mentioned earlier, no steps need to be taken. If you have questions, please refer to the FAQ on our website, or the FAQ at Google’s Postini Transition Resource Center.

To speak with an account manager at Bi101, please call us at (866)-552-4101 or email us at sales@bi101.com