After Aileen Apolo’s presentation to Davao’s SMEs on Google AdWords & Google Apps last Tuesday at DTI, I finally gave the latter a test run. So I’ve come to the conclusion that Google Apps is a web presence creator. It has, among other things, community-building tools for allowing all of your organization’s members to collaborate online.
The interface isn’t as user-friendly or intuitive as I’d thought — but I’m optimistic Google will refine it sooner or later. If you’re a business and you’d like to take full advantage of Google App’s functionalities, you’d do well to retain the services of a webmaster.
My first deployment of Google Apps is for the Davao bloggers community. I’ve already made the blog aggregator site (Davao Blogspace), and currently fine-tuning the Davao Blogs Directory. While these two sites promote a certain sense of togetherness among bloggers here, I believe that a portal will encourage more participation.
So right now I’m still developing the third site, which will be called the Davao Bloggers Network (www.davaoblogs.net). I’m very open to suggestions and critiques. But do lighten up on the latter for the present — I’ve deployed the site on Google Apps only today….
The Davao Bloggers Network will offer its members a web-based email address (username@davaoblogs.net), a social calendar, documents sharing, and loads of content. Plus more to come later!
What’s amazing about Google Apps is that it’s free. You do need to buy your own domain name, but it’s only $10 if you purchase it via Google’s partner registrar (GoDaddy.com). I suggest you do it that way, to make the Google Apps integration more seamless.
More updates on the Davao Bloggers Network soon!
