Google [GOOG] have launched Google Apps Marketplace that integrates third-part cloud apps with Google Apps.
The Google Apps Marketplace offers products and services designed for Google users, including installable apps that integrate directly with Google Apps. Installable apps are easy to use because they include single sign-on, Google’s universal navigation, and some even include features that integrate with your domain’s data.
By integrating the applications together it allows you to directly access third-party applications from GMail for example. With various apps running such as contact sharing it can be just a matter of logging in to GMail, clicking the More tab, loading your listed 3rd party app and passing contacts quickly to another user.
With it being new there is plenty of room for growth. Some applications that already exist are free and some have a subscription attached to them. As time goes on there should be a huge variety arrive to help you more easily work with Google Mail and other of G’s applications.
Check out the video below showing how apps are integrated and the process used to achieve this.
Via: LifeHacker
I think this is the next step in Google’s vision when it developed Google Chrome browser. Google is definitely going after a piece of Microsoft’s pie and I think it starts with the average user where they won’t need the full capabilities of ie a MS Office Suite, but need some of the basic features. Exciting developments ahead!