Google’s Got It!

In addition to web search, Google has many more applications that will help you run your business (there’s the B-word again…get used to it).

Docs and Spreadsheets – Create written documents and spreadsheets right online. Then have access to them from anywhere you have Internet access.

Gmail – It’s a new kind of webmail, built on the idea that email can be more intuitive, efficient and useful. It has over 2,800 MB of storage space, so you’ll never need to delete a message. You can even access your Gmail from your cell phone.

Google Calendar – Organize your schedule and share events with clients and employees.

Google Groups – Great for setting up private message boards for projects. It allows for a complete record of all online communication.

Google Maps – Door to door directions to your next project interview, with maps and satellite imagery.

Book Search – Search the full text of books and discover new ones. There’s even a copy of Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction

SketchUp – Developed for the conceptual stages of design, Google SketchUp is a powerful yet easy-to-learn 3D software tool that combines a simple, yet robust tool-set with an intelligent drawing system that streamlines and simplifies 3D design. From simple to complex, conceptual to realistic, Google SketchUp enables you to build and modify 3D models quickly and easily.

Picasa – Locate and organize all the photos on your computer. Edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks. Share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web.

Blog Search – Find blogs on your favorite topics. Here’s a search for SketchUp tips.

Google Desktop – Search the web and your local hard drive, right from your desktop.

Google Earth – Google Earth combines the power of Google Search with satellite imagery, maps, terrain and 3D buildings to put the world’s geographic information at your fingertips. Google Earth is perfect for arial images of your project site.

Blogger – Start your own blog, in seconds.

And there’s even more here.

For years, Microsoft and Autodesk have dominated the architecture office. With these applications (and more being developed), we now have some options to choose from.

Have you used any of Google’s goodies? Tell us what you think by clicking the “comments” link above.