Google+ brings business users into the 'circle'
Current Google Apps users can now take advantage of a free preview test of a range of business-specific Google+ features.
Google+ is being synced with the Google Apps business suite.
Google+ is getting down to business.聽
On Tuesday, Google introduced a new suite of Google+ features tailored to business users, including Gmail integrated-videoconferencing and intra-office Google+ posts. In a blog post,聽Google product manager聽Clay Bavor said the features would be available in free preview mode through the end of next year. The catch: Your organization must already be signed up for the Google Apps business suite.聽
"Whether you鈥檙e across the street or across the world, you can hold face-to-face meetings, share updates with colleagues and friends and work on a presentation together in real time," Mr. Bavor this week on the company blog. "Like Google Apps, we think Google+ can help colleagues collaborate more easily and get things done鈥揳nd get to know each other along the way."聽
Google has been testing the Google+ functionalities for several months; among the companies that signed up for an early trial was Kaplan, the test-prep company. Bavor said Google would continue to integrate feedback from users.聽
Although it has not released exact figures, Google said last year that more than 4 million businesses use Google Apps. For mid-sized to large companies, Google currently charges聽$5 per user per month for the service. Businesses can use the suite to create shared workplaces, store files, and communicate securely.
Google has also introduced a free platform called .