Gmail/Google Docs & Spreadsheets Integration
Originally published at Wifigod.net. You can comment here or there.
Alright, so there’s been some news lately on Google releasing their Google Apps Premier Edition. Logistically speaking, I think this is a good move for Google. Although, I am getting a little tired of people saying Google is going to be an Office killer. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. But, what I think WILL make Google Docs/Spreadsheets WAY more popular and easier to use is this: Full integration of Google Docs/Spreadsheets via Gmail.
Now I say “full integration” because Google has already taken a step in the right direction by automatically recognizing supported formats on attachments via incoming email. When it detects a supported document format, it provides a link to import that document into Docs & Spreadsheets. From there, you can view the doc, edit it, collaborate (IE share with other Google users), and publish the doc to the web. This, in my opinion, is VERY useful.
Now here’s where I think “full” integration should come in. Say I’m composing an email and I decide I want to attach a file. Along with the usual “Browse” button to upload a file, there should be a nice little link that allows me to easily attach one of my documents from Google Docs/Spreadsheets. The can already be done directly from Docs/Spreadsheets, but it needs to be integrated into Gmail. I’m assuming they’re already working on the best way to do this because it’s so logical to have that capability.
You might say, “But Ian, not everybody uses Gmail.” This is true, but Google has also been starting to release support for business/corporate email through Gmail. Eventually, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some Fortune 500 completely move their email system over to Google. Of course, this is assuming if Google can start to support IMAP through Gmail services. The fact that they’re still using POP is ridiculous.
Anywho, before I get off on too many tangents, I just wanted to suggest my feature and see if any of you feel the same. I can’t wait to see what Google releases next. It’ll be interesting to see where they are in three years from now.
