If you have your own domain name could set up your own email not tied into anyone. For now with google apps you can use a domain name to set up your own free email up to I believe 50 users thru them. If google apps disappears or starts charging can just take your domain elsewhere and set it up maybe for free or a small charge. Thing is you will never lose your email names as long as you remember to keep your domain registered. If you really become good you could always set up your own server later instead of using google apps to host or someone else.
