Google Apps

Hi

I have now been using Google Apps for a few weeks and thought I would share my experiences with you.

Set Up

Costs about £6 per year.

You can have up to 200 user accounts, each with their own email address, mine looks like paul@the dodgsons.net. Usable addresses seem fine. You also have web pages and can create child pages, similar, but lacking the functionality of sharepoint by a long margin.

I created a slide presentation and collaborated with two other people as it grew. the main value here was that the slide deck, was not moving, I just created editorial/view rights to other users, easy to do.

I also created a document and did some spreadsheet design, all similar to other products, but with much reduced functionality. In addition you have a google messenger tool and some other bits n pieces.

Speed and viewing was fine, very good actually.

What would it be like in a business environment?

As you might expect, the main concern was security, followed closely by accessibility, all really surrounding itself around the term "Control". Would the business really be in control? At present I think not. Also what about version control? What if they change the software apps and it is not backwards compatible?
I suppose a great deal of guarantees will be needed.

I would sum up by saying that there is definite potential and I applaud Google for their development, something I would not have said 12 months ago.

If you want to know more email me at my work address pdodgson@leics.gov.uk