The Cost of Staying Connected

You think setting up your wireless Internet is expensive? Here's what some of the largest federal agencies have paid to move to unified email systems:

GSA

The General Services Administration entered into a five-year, $6.7 million contract with Unisys to move its 17,000 employees to the Google Apps for

Government Suite in December 2010.

NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration entered into a three-year, $11.5 million contract with Earth Resources Technology Inc. in June 2011 to move its 25,000 employees to Google Apps for Government.

USDA

The U.S. Agriculture Department entered into a three-year, $27 million contract with Dell to move its 120,000 users from 21 messaging and collaboration systems to Microsoft's Business Productivity Online Suite in December 2010.