Why Use a Google Apps Reseller?
The business model for Google Apps operates both as a direct model and a reseller model. A business wishing to migrate to Google Apps can choose to buy the service direct from Google.
The reseller model involves authorised Google Apps resellers charging for implementation work and/or annual support. Customers pay no more for the Google Apps services themselves. Resellers generally charge according to the number of Google Apps accounts that the customer orders.
The reason why even businesses with in-house IT support resources choose to buy Google Apps through a reseller is that they value receiving expert help from a specialist - someone who is making their living from implementing and supporting Google Apps. Anyone considering Google Apps should bear in mind that it is a business change as much as it is a technical one.
If you buy Google Apps direct from Google and are based in the UK then trying to find a telephone number for Google Apps support is very difficult. Since Google are based in the USA, even if you do find a telephone number then the chances are that their office would be closed until early afternoon UK time. The cost of the core Google Apps for Business service reflects the level of support that is offered direct from Google.
So too, a local reseller will be able to visit you in person.
That's why buying through a Google Apps reseller offers a good deal of reassurance. Given that most small to medium sized organisations will be paying hundreds rather than thousands of pounds for setup and/or annual support and that the underlying Google Apps service is so competitively priced, it makes commercial sense for UK Google Apps customers to buy through a UK based (and preferably local) reseller, even if they have in-house technical expertise.