GoogleApps

Gmail Syncing

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As you are well aware, we are syncing information from the old Exchange system to the new Gmail system. Here is an update on where we are with the process. We are currently running 14 different sync instances. This means that we have 14 different “pipes” connected up and running.

Here is the status of these 14 sync instances:

  1. status: COMPLETE
  2. status: RUNNING/Migrating (84%, 84%, 52%) file 1a (300 users)
  3. status: RUNNING/Migrating (82%, 81%, 54%) file 1b (300 users)
  4. status: RUNNING/Migrating (95%, 93%, 78%) file 2a (300 users)
  5. status: RUNNING/Migrating (83%, 84%, 57%) file 2b (300 users)
  6. status: COMPLETE                                           file Priority
  7. status: RUNNING/Migrating (76%, 61%, 54%) file 3a (300 users)
  8. status: COMPLETE                                           file 4a (266 users)
  9. status: RUNNING/Migrating (83%, 98%, 66%) file 4b (300 users)
  10. status: COMPLETE                                            file 5a (250 users)
  11. status: RUNNING/Migrating (84%, 97%, 65%) file 3b (300 users)
  12. status: COMPLETE (100%, 100%, 100%)         file leftover1 (20 users)
  13. status: RUNNING/Migrating (100%, 100%, 91%) file 5b-2 (100 users)
  14. status: COMPLETE                                            file leftover2 (20 users)
  15. status: COMPLETE                                            file leftover3 (20 users)
  16. status: COMPLETE                                            file 5b-1 (100 users)

*The percentages indicate the amount of Contacts, Calendar, and Email that has been through the sync process. Thus, instance #2 has 84% of the Contacts synced, 84% of the Calendar items synced and 52% of the email items synced.

Why does this take so long?

All of the items are being translated from the proprietary MicroSoft format to  open standards. Additionally, we have a lot of “stuff”. We are transferring everything that users have saved (and not deleted). We have no way of prioritizing that important email from the Technology Director over the advertisement from Sears Portrait Studio. That is, if you saved (or didn’t delete) the Sear’s Portrait Studio email, we are syncing that to the Gmail account.

When will this be complete?

The short answer, when it is done. There are far too many variables for us to have an exact date. We hope that it is before students return.

Gmail for iPhone/iPad

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There are actually three different ways to set up your Google Apps account on your iPhone or iPad. Each of these has benefits and detriments.

  1. You can set up your account as an Exchange account.
  2. You can set up your account as a Gmail account (IMAP).
  3. You can use the Gmail application.

 

Topic Exchange Account Settings Gmail Settings (IMAP) Gmail Application
Advantages Officially supported as the “correct” way to sync data.This will provide the fastest data sync.  All data syncs. This is a standard method for syncing mail. Many different email clients will work. Subscribed calendar information will sync automatically.  Constantly updated Allows for a distinct separation of accounts.
Disadvantages Subscribed calendars must be added manually. Each time you subscribe to a calendar, you must add it to each mobile device. Slightly slower sync speeds.  Not the officially supported Google methodology.  A separate account to check.
Know this…  This method requires maintance, but will be the fastest to sync.  This is a separate application that is maintained and updated by Google. It can change.

Please note that you select which type of account when you are first creating your account.

Gmail Warning Messages

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Many people are loving the switch to Google Apps. Once everything is synced, the happiness quotient will be even higher.

Please note that some people are receiving the following notice:

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification

THIS IS A WARNING MESSAGE ONLY.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESEND YOUR MESSAGE.

Delivery to the following recipient has been delayed:

journal@dearbornschools.org

Message will be retried for 2 more day(s)

 

 

You may safely disregard this notice. This is a result of archiving email. Your email has been delivered, it is just the archive that is delayed.
Cheers.

Google Apps for Education Mail Settings for Phones

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We have begun our exciting transition to Google Apps for Education. This will bring powerful opportunities to us. Along with those opportunities are necessary changes.

Many people now use their phones to check for email. In order to continue doing so, you’ll need to make some changes in your settings. We recommend creating a new email account on your phone. All old email will sync.

Directions for setting up your email account on your phone are available on our Professional Development site.

Google Apps for Education

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We are one day closer to our transition to Google Apps for Education. Although email is not set up yet, staff can sign in and use Google Apps for Education. Here is a testimonial from one user:

I tried it yesterday and it worked.  It was easy to set up but must be done slowly and carefully because the system was slow.   I like the chrome’s set up of apps–easy to see and follow.  My email is not updated yet but your email indicates this will be done.  I’m hoping my iPhone will not be complicated in setting it up.  Thanks for the instructions–they were easy to follow.

 

Email will be synced starting Thursday evening. Since we have a tremendous amount of email to sync, we are positive how long the sync will take. Starting Friday, you should check your email using https://www.google.com/a/dearbornschools.org

 

 

Google Apps for Education

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As we transition to Google Apps for Education, it is important to understand why. The district has been able to provide 2GB of storage for documents and 2 GB of storage for email. With our transition to Google Apps for Education, each user will receive 30 GB of storage. Additionally, the documents that you create within Google Drive won’t count against that storage limit. Essentially, this means that users won’t have to worry about storage limits.

Please remember that Google Apps for Education will also provide a ton of features that we just aren’t able to provide at this point.

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