Monash extends Google Apps capabilities to staff

Australia’s largest university will expand the presence of Google technology to its staff on campus 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 Ve 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,” Du Ve said.

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

Monash University is Australia’s largest university with 58,000 students and over 17,000 staff. The research-intensive university is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight and has a strong international focus, with campuses in Malaysia and South Africa.