Google rolls out new Workspace app integrations, security features

Google added new app integrations and security capabilities to its Workspace productivity suite on Tuesday ahead of its Cloud Next virtual event.

The Workspace Marketplace now has 5,300 third-party apps that users can integrate with the various Workspace tools, Google said. Among the newest is an integration between two of its collaboration tools, Chat and the recently rebranded Spaces (formerly Chat Rooms), and Jira, Atlassian’s popular work management app for software developers.

The bot integration lets Jira users create new tickets within the Chat and Spaces apps, as well as monitor issues and see Jira previews.

The integration is evidence of Google’s efforts to let Workspace customers embed its apps into users’ workflow. While Google has focused on connecting workflows between its own Workspace apps, it has also begun to address the need for users to move seamlessly between a wider variety of tools, said Angela Ashenden, principal analyst at CCS Insight.

“Jira is an obvious place to start, because IT support teams are often the first to embrace chat platforms for productivity working and for more sophisticated use cases,” said Ashenden.

Another new integration connects Google’s email client, Gmail, and its no-code development platform, AppSheet. AppSheet, which was acquired in January 2020, lets users create simple, visual applications based on data in Workspace apps. The Gmail integration lets Workspace customers interact with AppSheet apps directly from their email inbox, making it easier for workers to input relevant data or approve requests without switching screens.

The AppSheet integration with Gmail is generally available now, Google said.

Source: Computer World