Google has always allowed free access to their business-productivity product, Google Apps. Up to 10 users can have custom email addresses, calendars, contacts, Google Drive, team sites, and Google Docs as well as access to the Google Apps Marketplace. By the end of this month or early in September, Google will be be shutting down new free access. Businesses wanting to use these services will have to pay. Currently the base-level is $5 per user per month or $50 per user per year. Old free accounts will remain active but anyone signing up for new accounts will have to pay even if they are a small business….

The brain is a wonderful creation and the internet is often used to enhance or complement the capacity and recall within our most important organ. Unfortunately, technology has made it possible for us to actually overload our brains through the speed and volume through which we’re able to multitask online. How many tabs are open on your computer right now? How many screens are you using? Is your iPad or smartphone close and do they have other things happening on them at the same time that you’re reading this? We live in a multitasking world where productivity and enjoyment are often gauged by how…

One of the primary goals of software (at least in theory) is to make things easier. It’s a simple, almost too-obvious concept, but one that users seem to find elusive with the constant need to upgrade, update, and search for the latest and greatest. It’s turning into a part of daily business to keep our computers and mobile devices up to date with the products that are supposed to improve efficiency and productivity. As the survey below shows, they’re not pleased. At what point do these updates get in the way rather than enhance our productivity? When does technology start to outsmart itself? From:…

There has been a conspicuous lack of news about Google Apps, their cloud-based business software division, over the past few months that was highlighted by recent departures and reorganization moves as well as a nearly-complete omission during last week’s investor call. CEO Larry Page’s focus on social, search, and advertising in both are making the goals of taking on Microsoft head-to-head in their own territory less emphasized. In short, the last three months, Google has blinked. All of this comes despite positive feedback and strong moves over the last year. Four million businesses use…

It may not be the first time Microsoft has tried to use humor and aggressive attacks to go after Google, but this time it hits a little closer to home than they’ve done in the past. In attacking Google Apps as a work productivity tool, Microsoft invokes Wave, Gears, and Buzz as examples of how Google has completely abandoned projects in the recent past. This time, they’re going to try to help this particular Google product out the door before it can be successfully integrated into business. Playing on the word, “moonlighting”, this video tries to point out that Google Apps aren’t ready for the business…

Normally I don’t mind trends, so long as I don’t actually have to participate in them. However, there is one trend that needs to be over yesterday: turning everyday tasks into games. For those of you who haven’t seen the onslaught of tasks-as-games app, here’s a brief run-down of some of the more popular ones: 0Boxer: Organize Your Gmail and Have Fun Doing It Epic Win: Level Up Your Life: Make Being Organized As Much Fun As Gaming with Epic Win-the to-do list app with an RPG setting Chore Wars: Finally You Can Claim Experience Points for Housework These are games that try to make everyday tasks…

Productivity, or “getting things done” is the primary goal of the digital generation. Before computers, people actually worked to earn a living – now life moves so quickly simply organizing your to-do list requires the very best tools. Enter Producteev2, a new task management tool just released today that promises a wider and more integrated reach than any of the other myriad utilities available. Free to individuals. The concept is simple: Web apps are all the rage, but their workflows are complex and dynamic. By combining your productivity with the tools you’re already using, such as Facebook,…