New ‘Appspace for Google’ Improves Workplace Experience

Appspace for Google connects the workplace to Google devices and software

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Unified CommunicationsLatest NewsNews Analysis

Published: October 6, 2022

James Stephen

Technology Journalist

Appspace has launched ‘Appspace for Google’ as a means of improving the workplace experience by providing connections to Google devices and software. 

The workplace experience software provider, Appspace, believes its new solution will create more productive and collaborative workplaces through Google Chrome Enterprise, Google Workspace, Google Meet and more integrations. 

Companies already using Google products can gain access to a greater range of integrations while maintaining the same enterprise-grade security level. 

Appspace has now become a Chrome Enterprise recommended partner.  

Raluca Monet, Google Strategic Partnerships Lead, said: “Appspace’s decision to build for ChromeOS showcases the mutual determination of both companies to elevate the workplace experience. 

“Appspace for Google turns Chrome devices into powerful productivity and communications tools for HR, communications, and IT teams, and strengthens our business partnership through one unified workplace experience offering.” 

Using Appspace for Google, employees can receive and view internal company messages straight away. The solution also enables businesses to change from using single-channel communications to omnichannel via Chrome Enterprise’s kiosks and digital signage, as well as Google Meet-enable rooms. 

Users are able to publish content faster, reaching all employees using Google devices and software simultaneously. 

For employees returning to the office, there are simple ways to perform everyday tasks, such as locating meeting rooms. Appspace for Google solves this issue through the Google kiosks and room panels integration, which allows employees to book rooms. 

Hybrid working can also be improved by using Google Calendar to reserve desks and find colleagues. 

Appspace for Google provides integrations for all Google hardware and software devices, such as Google Workspace, Google Meet, Google Calendar, Google Chrome, and Android devices. 

Scott Chao, Chief Growth Officer at Appspace, said:  “Appspace for Google goes beyond simple integrations so companies can improve engagement and productivity from one unified platform. 

“By strengthening our partnership with Google, we’ll work to provide great workplace experiences for every employee.” 

Appspace claims to be the first company to provide a single platform with a modern intranet, workspace reservation, digital signage, an employee application, and more. 

Appspace was recently added to Inc. Magazine’s 5000 list of the U.S.A’s fastest growing, privately owned companies. 

In July, Appspace launched ‘Appspace for Microsoft’, a new workplace solution designed to enhance communication and productivity. 

Google versus Microsoft 

Appspace has been clever, hedging its bets by releasing solutions to help companies integrate with both Google and Microsoft products. 

For most end-customers, however, it is not so easy; they cannot afford to simply double up on software and devices to ensure they have the best of both worlds. Opting for a hybrid setup using both Google and Microsoft integrations is an option, but then there are the inevitable digital silos this will create through having a less joined-up service. Not only that, you will also need to invest a lot of time and money in adding features and applications separately. 

Nowadays the most popular option is to plum for an all-in-one productivity suite. On one side you’ve got Microsoft 365, and on the other, you have Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). 

Microsoft 365 is one of the most sought-after office software suites with the likes of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams on desktop, mobile, and web apps. Users can co-author the same document simultaneously. The response rate to platform issues is one hour for each of the three plans. 

Google Workspace, on the other hand, has some big names but they don’t exactly overlap with Microsoft’s leading programs. Workspace offers Docs, Sheets, and Slides, while Gmail and Chat contain emails, video calling, and instant messaging (IM). Its support response times depend on the plan you have got, four hours is stated as the maximum wait time. 

Online is where Google really dominates, whereas Microsoft is stronger in the desktop environment. Of course, companies will need to consider other factors as well when choosing between these giants of productivity, collaboration, and communications. 

Price is always key, especially when we’re talking business, but there is not a huge difference between them. If 1TB is enough storage space for you, then Microsoft’s entry-level package is the cheapest of the two. 

Sometimes organisations can be swung by a single application. Microsoft Teams, for example, is often the reason that companies choose to sign up for Microsoft 365. This may not be for any other reason that the company employees will be more familiar with it than Google Meet, or vice versa. The decision can sometimes be as personal as this for companies. 

If you don’t have too much internal company baggage to bring with you to the table, then you can simplify your decision-making. If you would rather go with something more modern and integrated, where you will be pushed into working mostly online then go for Google. If you and your staff prefer using desktop apps, separating work across different applications, then choose Microsoft 365. 

Choose carefully though; whatever you choose will most likely influence your decision when it comes to calling plans, endpoints, and other third-party integrations. 

 

 

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