Gmail vs. Exchange

Implications: I agree with Paul's analysis and associated conclusions.  I would also add that when Google reaches the level of reliability attained by other SaaS like suppliers (SalesForce.com, etc.) then their gmail offering will become acceptable to the enterprise businesses. 

Analysis: I faced similar challenges from our own internal employees while we began converting to Microsoft Exchange.  There was a large contingent of engineers who didn't want to be encumbered by this transition and assumed that gmail would resolve all of our issues and needs.  That wasn't the case then but we may be closer to that level of adoption if both the cost, support and challenges with Microsoft Exchange don't diminish.