Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite software, is a collection of office and productivity applications that connect for increased integration between work processes. It originated in 2006 with Google Apps and was rebranded to G Suite in 2016. In October 2020, Google again rebranded to Google Workspace, adding new features to its collaborative software and attempting to make the suite even more accessible for business teams. Google Workspace includes many business applications that interoperate for increased collaboration and productivity in the workplace. This software also integrates with many other applications: for example, a business might sync their Google Sheets and Salesforce CRM for added insights. Some of the Workspace applications are:
- Mail: Google introduced Gmail in 2004, and it is the cornerstone of Google’s connected suite of office applications. It’s one of the most popular email providers in the world, and it’s collaborative and easy to use.
- Docs: Google Docs automatically saves created documents to Drive (cloud storage) and continues to update them in real time.
- Slides: users make and edit presentations and incorporate data from other Google apps.
- Sheets: Google offers accessible and detailed spreadsheets with customizable formulas. Users can link documents within spreadsheets and communicate with other users within the sheet.
- Calendar: users can schedule meetings, invite others, select meeting locations, or add a video conferencing link to a meeting.
- Drive: users have access to cloud storage within their Drive. They can create folders for organization.
- Forms: users can create surveys and questionnaires to gain information and make data-driven decisions.
- Chat: users can message within the other Google applications as well as having their own chat rooms.
- Meet: this video conferencing feature integrates with other Google applications for easier communication.
- Sites: users can create their own websites using Google’s platform.
- Apps Script: this feature offers application design, which developers can add to some of the existing suite’s applications.
- Cloud Search: users can search Google’s cloud storage for data.
- Keep: users can create to-do lists, notes, and reminders to keep themselves and their teammates on track.
- Currents: this communication platform helps teams to stay connected through posts, pictures, videos, and conversations.
Integrations
Google Workspace applications integrate with many other software: for example, a business might sync their Google Sheets and Salesforce to gain insights and eliminate silos in company data. Users can sync Google Docs with communication software Slack and send documents to other users with details and updates.
