Monash extends Google Apps capabilities to staff

Australia’s largest University is set to expand the presence of Google technology on campus. Monash University has announced that the Google Apps suite of services will be provided to staff across the university.

The university has endorsed the move to Google Apps Education Edition following the successful transition of students to the web-based service last November.

The advantages of providing Google Apps to staff include a common approach to email and collaboration tools for staff and students, easy to use global web-based access, accessibility from many mobile devices and increased storage capacity.

Vice-President (Administration) Peter Marshall said the information-sharing capabilities of Google Apps would enable both staff and students to work in a highly collaborative environment.

“Staff and students will be able to share information without software compatibility issues. They will be able to chat in real time, access email and calendar applications via an internet connection or offline and much of Google Apps functionality is available on mobile devices,”  Marshall said.

Google Apps will be phased in over the next six to 12 months, commencing mid-year, with Monash staff transitioning from a range of email systems to a single, consistent platform.

Acting Chief Information Officer Jeremy Du Vé said the move was another step toward a modern, innovative approach to university-wide communications.

“Collaboration is limited when staff use a range of different platforms. The move to Google Apps will ensure we have a single, more effective approach to staff and student collaboration and engagement.

“By hosting services in the cloud, we can refocus our IT resources on supporting the university’s research and education strategies,” Du Vé said.