The Google Apps platform is becoming a very popular integration for universities, businesses, and organizations throughout the country. Google Apps leverages the power of “cloud computing”, and allows the users within an organization to use the powerful features of Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Calendar for their internal work flow – as opposed to being stuck using the old clunky Microsoft Office platform.
I’m particularly fond of Google Apps and have successfully converted several organizations over to the Google Apps platform. One of the biggest advantages I’ve seen in my experience with Google Apps is the integration with mobile devices like iPhone, Blackberry, and the iPod Touch.
The officers within the organizations that I’ve integrated into Google Apps now spend more time on their mobile devices checking their emails, following calendars, and staying connected through Google Apps.
The University of Delaware has taken the steps to enhance their communication and collaboration practices and according to their university website, they will be “using their UDelNet IDs (udel.edu e-mail addresses) and passwords, students can now use Google’s advanced e-mail interface, Gmail, for their University e-mail — and can also use the entire Google Apps for Education software suite.
UD Information Technologies (IT) and Google have made the new service available as a pilot program since November 2009, during which time more than 200 students have taken advantage of this opportunity. IT has now opened Google Apps @UDel.edu to any UD student who would like to move.
With just a UDelNet ID and password, a UD student can instantly use the full set of Google Applications for Education:
- Gmail – udel.edu e-mail, communicating with on- and off-campus correspondents;
- Google Calendar – organizing schedules;
- Google Docs – creating and sharing documents (formatted text, spreadsheets, presentations);
- Google Sites – creating and sharing Web pages; and
- Google Talk – communicating with others via text, voice, and video messaging.