Google Workspace

What is Google Workspace? 

In the last two years, the idea of going to work no longer brings conventional thoughts of waking up, packing a lunch, and running out the door to sit in traffic.  due to what seems like a never ending quarantine, many of us have had to adapt to working at home. In leu of this,  Google has made it easier than ever to work and collaborate from home with a suite of star studded productivity apps that transforms your computer into a workspace equipped with all the tools you need to get the job done.  Tools include, Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meets, and many more. Whether you're returning to the office, working from home, on the frontlines with your mobile device, or connecting with customers, Google Workspace is a great way to create, communicate, and collaborate.   

The home of Google Workspace is in your Gmail account, where tools such as Google Docs-document editing program to rival Microsoft Word- Google Sides- slide show presentation app to rival Microsoft Power Point- and Google Meet- Video and audio chat program- can all be accessed.  

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What does Google Workspace do best?  

The best feature about Google Workspace is its cloud computing and seamless collaborative ability.  remaining true to the Web browser format that has made Google the multi-billion dollar company that it is today, Google workspace is accessed and stored 100% online in the cloud.  this means that there is no desktop app, and all information is saved in the cloud on Google databases. This allows for seamless collaborative work in real time, and the ability to access your work from anywhere.  This also means that you never have to worry about losing your work, since all information is automatically saved to the cloud.  There is also a feature to save documents to your computer for offline work. Google Workspace is ideal for companies that do not plan on investing in company servers and mainframes. Google Workspace has proven to be an easy transition for companies during the Covid 19 quarantine.   

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Nothing is perfect 

As with all things in this world, nothing is perfect.  Some of the few downfalls of Google Workspace are as follows. Google Meet is a video and audio chat tool, than many find subpar to zoom. It is often times difficult to navigate, and you are not able to view comments if you are presenting. Support and troubleshooting are not as easily carried as on Microsoft 365, and although some may see the browser based tools as a plus, it can also be a negative if you do not have a reliable internet conne

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Relation to concepts and theories in class.  

Social information processing theory 

Social information processing theory has become a critical aspect to consider in these times of quarantine.  Google Workspace is among the top tools leading the way in true collaborative technology. Without being there in person, social cues may  go unnoticed and effective communication can be difficult.  Not only does Google Workspace offer video and audio calls, but the ability to share documents, edit together in real time, and the simple design and easy maneuverability of each tool allows for self-expression that translates into the digital world as a new form of processing social information.

Communication technology ecosystem 

With all the hardware of Google Workspace being maintained by Google themselves, The software is able to take center stage and seamlessly provide a host of interconnected tools that have greatly impacted the organizational infrastructure of many companies and businesses. Not only organizational infrastructures, but countless social systems have been affected as well. Google Workspace is also ideal for social systems such as families, friends, groups and more. According to Javier Soltero, Vice president of google, "Our focus is on delivering consumers, workers, teachers and students alike an equitable approach to collaboration, while still providing flexibility that allows these different subsets of users to take their own approach to communication and collaboration"(Google Announces Google Workspace for Everyone. 2021). The media rich ensemble of productivity and collaboration tools makes Google Workspace ideal for nearly any dynamic of online commuication.  

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Comparative Analysis 

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Google Workspace is an incredible application, but is it right for you? Well it depends on what you are looking for.  If you are looking for a do-it-all or all-in-one solution for digital communication and collaboration, then yes. In relation to Social Information Processing Theory, Google Workspace is revolutinizing the way we communicate interpersonally online.  With more and more tools to help relay social cues and norms, Google Workspace is the perfect tool for catching and relaying social nuances online.  If you are looking for a program to define your companies Communication technology ecosystem by way of social and corporate infrastructure, as well as its hardware and software, then Google Workspace was designed specifically for that reason.   However, that is only if you plan to work and collaborate completely through your web browser. If you are looking for something of the same nature that is based on your desktop, then Microsoft Office 365 would be a no brainer.  If you are only looking for a video and audio chat program to stay connected and hold simple video meetings, then Zoom would be a more reliable connection and easy experience. If you are only interested in a chat tool that will allow you to communicate quickly and informally throughout the day, Google Chat can certainly get the job done.  However, Slack is a desktop tool that allows you to keep an open line of communication that is not dependent on your web browser being open.  The platform design of Slack promotes social interaction and individual expression.  

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References  

Google Announces Google Workspace for Everyone. (2021, June 14). Ebscohost.Edu.  https://web-b-ebscohost-com.libproxy.csustan.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=8&sid=c7a00351-5a2e-4ea9-bb5f-2c69a13fb1ed%40sessionmgr101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=202106140600PR.NEWS.USPR.SF09175&db=bwh