Cloud Computing with Google Apps
In late 2010 Google grouped its applications for cloud computing use.
There are up to 60 applications that can be accessed from any computer in any Internet connected location.
Compute from your work desktop, home desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet with always the latest version documents, current emails etc.
The base entry allows up to 50 people to use Google applications for free.
More advanced user groups pay a $50 US per person per year fee.
Local cost savings can include less desktop software licences, less desktop administration, no need for email server, no need for web server and no need for a file server.
Only a browser is required for most applications on any operating system.
Google Apps allows for company domain name used on emails and websites.
Administrators can control which cloud applications are available for thier organisation's users and departments.
Clould Application Short List
| Product | Description | Free Edition (up to 50) | Business Edition | Education Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gmail | Email account with spam filters | Yes | Yes up to 25 GB each with mobile sync | Yes |
| Google Calendar | Shared calendars with smart phone sync | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Docs | Documents, spreadsheets, drawings and presentations. Import and export most file types. Can share and edit files simultaneously. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Sites | Create websites and group wikis. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Reader | RSS and Blog reading tool | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Picasa Web Albums | View, edit and share photos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AdWords | Online advertisement on Google and other web sites. Search, Display, Video, Mobile, Remarketing and Google Shopping. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adsense | Earn income from website advertisements. Allocate space for Google Ads and get paid monthly. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics | Website performance tracking in detail. Visitor count, page views, traffic source, geo location. etc. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Talk | Instant messaging, VOIP, voicemail | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alerts | Custom email on news with topics you select | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Groups | Newsgroups and information sharing | No | Yes | No |
| Google Video | Company shared videos site private or public access | No | Yes | No |
| Postini | Email archive to 10 years Advanced email security policies | No | Yes | No |
| Advanced Email | Work with Outlook including calendar Work with Blackberry Server. | No | Yes | Yes |
Local business opportunities exist in becoming a Google partner and managing data migration and administration to Google Apps.