1. Google Apps:
A Free, Collaborative Alternative to
Microsoft Office (and more)
MANA TAHAIE
Association of Women in Communications Spring Workshop:
Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps!
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2009 | OSU-TULSA

2. Introduction to Google Apps
 Free*
 Collaborative
 Web-based
 Single account access to all tools
 Hosted on your domain
 Visit: http://www.google.com/options
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

3. Google Apps and Non-profits
 Google Apps: Messaging and Collaboration tools
 Education Edition: application suite for schools and
non-profits
Communication

Collaboration

Infrastructure

 User dashboard accesses all tools in central location
 Visit: http://www.google.com/apps
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

4. Google Apps: Communication
AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps!

5. Gmail
 Web-based email
 Offline access available
 Virtually unlimited storage space
 Manage multiple accounts in a single inbox
 Advanced spam filters that “learn”
 Fully searchable using Google’s powerful engine
 Filters and labels allow simple organization
 Gadgets and hacks increase productivity
 Visit: http://www.google.com/mail
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

6. Google Calendar
 Sharing
 Within organization
 Public
Subscription

 Public Event Search
 Syncs with Outlook, iCal, phones
 Offline access
 Embed in website
 Example: Circle Cinema
 Visit: http://www.google.com/calendar
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

7. Google Talk
 Chatting within Gmail
 Voice and video chatting
 Teleconferencing
 Telecommuting
 Group chat
 Save chat history
 Desktop client available
 Visit: http://www.google.com/talk
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

8. Blogger
 Quick blog setup
 Customizable with themes, gadgets, etc.
 Mobile updating
 Hosted on your domain
 RSS* ready, including custom feeds
 Reader subscription option
 41 languages
 Team blogging
 Integrate with other Social Media
 Visit: https://www.blogger.com/start
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

9. Google Apps: Collaboration
AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps!

10. Google Docs
Features
Applications
 Rich editing and
 Word processing
formatting functionality
 Spreadsheets
 Collaborate and share
 Forms
with colleagues
 Reporting
 Export to many formats
 Presentations
 No more attachments or
 Visit: docs.google.com
“AgendaDRAFTfinal_02.doc”
AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps!

11. Google Groups & Wiki
 Email listservs
 Simple webpages
 Discussion boards
 Organize information in wikis
 User-generated content*
 Visit: http://groups.google.com
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

12. Google Apps: Productivity
AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps!

13. Google Maps and Earth
 Customizable maps for myriad uses:
Event planning

Site mapping

Directions

Mash-ups

 Embed in websites
 Share online
 Maps example: YWCA facilities
 Visit: http://maps.google.com
 Earth example: World is Witness
 Visit: http://earth.google.com
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

14. Google Reader
 RSS* aggregator
 Keep up with newsfeeds, blogs, Twitter, websites,
and lots of other online content
Centralize information

Share with friends

Publish links to social networking sites like

Facebook, organization websites, etc.
Visit: http://reader.google.com

Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

15. Other productivity tools
 Google Checkout
 Online sales and donation processing
 Free for Google Grants recipients
 Google Alerts
 Daily updates of news and blog content
 Custom keyword search
 Google Directory
 Online directory search
Maps, reviews, directions

 Update your listings!
Call 1-800-GOOG-411 or Text GOOGL

Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

16. Other productivity tools
 Google Analytics
Track and analyze web traffic in real time

Graphical dashboard gives snapshot of activity

Manage multiple sites at once

 Google Notebook
Capture all kinds of information in a central location

Collect as you’re searching the web

Go paperless!

 iGoogle
Personalized homepage

Customize with gadgets and specified information

Create gadgets for your organization and distribute

Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

17. Google Apps: Challenges
AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps!

18. Things to consider before switching
 Cost
 Sunk (in previous technology)
 Transition
 User learning curve
 Compatibility with existing software
 Internet connectivity
Mana Tahaie AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps! 5/12/2009

19. Questions?
Access Slideshow at bit.ly/gapps
Email Mana at mana.tahaie@gmail.com
Visit TechSoup and IdealWare for more non-profit
tech information
AWC Tulsa | Don’t Let Technology Bite You in the Apps!