He has "character"! Or she "has a good constitution" is how we might describe a person with positive attributes we strongly admire - even though we can't see those traits by just looking. We must interact with the individual or see them interact with others to know they exist.

Software solutions are often the same way. A simple list of features / functions about a computer program seldom communicates its full value. "Cloud computing" is a software solution where the bulk of its value is unseen until you start using it. Examples include:

• Embedded communication - capabilities that are embedded (part of the program but not immediately visible) right in the email inbox. VoIP for both Voice only and Voice / Video calling, SMS / text messaging and multi-party chat sessions. The most frequently used types of communication are all included right in your email inbox.
• a team of trained, talented well paid technical engineers (at no additional cost) that maintain and upgrade the servers and network required for you to get today's daily business work done.
• automatic continuous software updates, enhancements and security protections without hassle, cost or your personal time to load software on all your computers.
• disaster recovery protection of your computing ability. If your company was to experience a flood or other natural disaster, your computers would be directly impacted and all would have to be restored or replaced. Software, such as Google Apps runs on large server farms that are spread throughout the world. If one data center is impacted, workload can be shifted to another one.
• AAA computing - ANY time, ANY where and ANY device. Securely connect to your private or proprietary data from any location on the globe at any time of day using virtually any IP device. Desktop, Laptop, mobile phone and now Netbook computers all become capable of performing the most common tasks you perform.

US citizenship is another example of "the parts you can't see - often have the most value". Many rights, protections and freedoms not immediately apparent, come with being a US Citizen. Hence the reason it's desired by many around the world. September 17th * each year is now recognized as Constitution Day (aka Citizenship Day), a Federal observance recognizing ratification and signing of the US Constitution on that date in 1787.

Why not make September your anniversary date for signing your new "computing constitution"? Join over 1.75 million companies that have done the same by moving to a Google Apps "cloud computing" solution.

The GAFYD.net technique (Google Apps For Your Domain via Net) lets you start with minimum complexity and cost. Let your company gain a reputation for "character and constitution" - providing great value, even from the parts not immediately visible.

* 9/17 is also the Birthday of my 2nd daughter.

Best Regards, TOM