Google rolled out new tools for business use for Google+. And what's more, they will be free until the end of 2013.
Google has been working on its business-use applications for some time and has built an effective enterprise portfolio with its Gmail and Google Apps offerings, observed PC Magazine.
"If it can gain traction in the enterprise that will also help it with consumer adoption and usage as well. Although there's plenty of competition from Salesforce and Microsoft, among others, Google+ has considerable potential in the enterprise for both meetings and group collaboration," said analyst Greg Sterling.
"Every day, more companies are going Google. We're excited to help them take advantage of modern, Web-based tools and give their employees new ways to connect and collaborate," said Clay Bavor, Google Apps product management director in a blog post.
Google plans to add more features and administrative controls specifically designed for organizations.
Google said its pilot customers, Kaplan and Banshee Wines have been using Google+ to engage and connect with its employees and based on the feedback it has been able to tailor the tools for organisational use.
Google+ for businesses has three important features:
Private Sharing: App users will have total control over the content posted on Google+, where users can "restrict" only to the organization, and it cannot be re-shared with outsiders. Even when you post, you have the option of sharing it with only specific members.
Video Meetings: Google+ simplifies face-to-face meeting with clients/colleagues with its "Hangouts" that will not require any expensive video conferencing technology, but just a camera and Internet connection. Up to ten people can join the video meeting wither from laptop, phone or tablet, said Google.
Administrative Controls: Administrators can't restrict Hangouts and sharing by setting up a "default for post restrictions."
Hangout has been accessible through Gmail since July and now users can add hangout to a Calendar event too.
On Wednesday, the company announced a Google+ update "birthday reminders."
A mobile version of Google+ and more administrative controls are being planned said Google.
"These latest business features for Google+, which will be rolling out throughout the day, are just a start," Bavor said.
