Kimind Consulting » google

Google Docs is gaining speed

Imane — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:33:04 +0000

Google Docs goes into higher gear starting next week. Built on a new infrastructure, documents and spreadsheets are being equipped with new functions and better performance. Word processing in particular, becomes editable by several people in true real time (until 50 people) with visualization of changes character by character, just like in Google Wave. Before, we had to wait 30s to more than a minute for the other users changes become visible. But now, it will be in true real time.

You can activate these functions by going to “Settings” in Google Docs and checking the appropriate box (cf. screenshot) Google Apps also requires that in the admin panel the pre-release features are enabled.

In word processing, only new documents created benefit of the new editor.

In the new functions, we may have noticed that a rule also appears, but especially a new mode of management comments much more ergonomic and efficient is available, it allows the discussion in the commentary itself (as in the chat), and it is positioned outside of the text being edited.

Editing features also complement with more choices for example in bullet points and lists

And the equation editor is enriched by a toolbar

In Spreadsheet, no major functional changes, except a formula bar always visible, the option on the existing spreadsheet to switch to the new interface, and performance actually increased, the difference is palpable.

So, let’s benefit from it . On the other side, starting from May 3, the module offline of Google Docs will no longer be available; pending the launch of a new version compatible with the new infrastructure being deployed.

So anyone using this module must absolutely synchronize the offline documents by May 3rd, otherwise it will not be possible then. Google didn’t advertise yet the availability date of the new version.

The offline module of gmail remains by cons available, no fear of this point so far.

Valeo unveils officially its Google Apps strategy

Miguel Membrado — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:17:56 +0000

Valeo, the french automotive company, published yesterday on its website a long-awaited press release regarding deployment of Google Apps for the whole group (30,000 employees, 193 sites, 27 countries) initiated from 2008.

We already mentioned it indirectly in December with our post dedicated to “Can large accounts adopt Google Apps?“, because Kimind has accompanied Valeo in this process since October 2007, both on the strategic aspects and on the implementation of internal pilots and support to the process and usage transformation practices for the true deployment.

It is a world first for Google, since it is the first time a group of this size adopt the full range of services provided by the Google Apps collaborative suite, in both messaging and collaborative dimensions. It is important also to note that Google Apps will gradually replace both the Microsoft Office suite and the collaborative Lotus Notes/Domino platform within Valeo. TechCrunch noticed it this morning with its “Google Cloud: 1 – MS Office: 0” post

Hereunder is the official press release of Valeo (read full press release in their website) :

“Valeo today announced that the Group’s 30,000 Internet-connected employees now have access to a new communication and collaborative working platform based on Google Apps Premier Edition and supported by Capgemini.

The progressive roll-out of the new system is giving employees access to a suite of online products which will increase administrative efficiency and improve collaboration between the 193 Valeo entities in 27 countries.

“We were searching for an innovative way to reduce significantly our office infrastructure costs while simultaneously improving user collaboration and productivity,” said André Gold, Valeo’s Technical Senior Vice-President. “Our pilot projects demonstrate that this target is achievable.”

Valeo is deploying Google Apps, supported by Google’s partner Capgemini, in a phased approach throughout 2009. As a first step, users are being given access to Google sites, on-line documents, video management and instant messaging, including voice and video chat, in order to improve teamwork. The new system will then offer applications to further enhance the company’s efficiency, such as an Enterprise directory and workflow tools to automate administrative processes. In the final stage, users will benefit from Google mail, calendar, search and
on-line translation solutions to reinforce personal efficiency. They will be able to access the applications from a desktop, laptop or other mobile device.

“The cost savings and innovation made possible by cloud computing help businesses better respond to a global and mobile workforce – especially in today’s difficult economic environment,” said Dave Girouard, President, Google Enterprise. “We’re thrilled Valeo has selected Google.

Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. Valeo ranks among the world’s top automotive suppliers. The Group has 122 plants, 61 R&D centers, 10 distribution platforms and employs around 49,000 people in 27 countries worldwide.”

(read full press release in their website & related Google’s blog post)

It is also very important to note that the main arguments that led to the decision, and which were subsequently confirmed during the pilot and initial deployment, are cost reduction + individual and collective efficiency and productivity. That is the core subject of a pragmatic and effective Enterprise 2.0 strategy as we stand it at Kimind helping large accounts to adopt enterprise 2.0 paradigm.

If you are interested to know more about such projects, don’t hesitate to contact us.

A new drawing feature is available for Google Docs

Miguel Membrado — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:42:35 +0000

This is a huge improvement for Google Apps, which allows to create vector drawings within Google Documents. This will enhance drastically the usage of these online documents. A lot of forms are available, always with the simplicity of usage required by Google services. Select Insert/Drawing in the menu of your document to access this feature.

Google Data Centers in Video

Miguel Membrado — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:18:46 +0000

This is the first time than Google is showing how are organized their data centers. Here is the video:

Google search result links were all marked malware for 15mn

Miguel Membrado — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:50:58 +0000

Nicolas told me few minutes ago that it was impossible to reach any website from Google search results pages, all were marked as malware. Techcrunch has already reported this, apparently the problem was worldwide. Huge mistake from Google! A failed update? Quickly solved, but Google impacts on the internet are tremendous. Fortunately, everything is quite normal now.

Waiting for official update from Google on this problem.

UPDATE: Here is the official explanation from Marissa Mayer.