Boost productivity with custom solutions on Google Workspace

Google Workspace Integration Journey: Marketplace, AppSheet, Macros, Apps Script, & APIs

Key Concepts: Google Workspace Marketplace, AppSheet (no-code app development), Macros (Sheets automation), Apps Script (Workspace programming language), Google Workspace APIs, Vertex AI, Gemini (AI assistant), Citizen Developers, Admin Governance.

1. Google Workspace Marketplace: Add-ons & Trust

• Main Topic: Utilizing pre-built solutions from the Google Workspace Marketplace.
• Key Points:
  • Thousands of apps and add-ons available.
  • Eliminates the need for custom development in some cases.
  • Add-ons can be deployed to specific groups or the entire domain by admins.
• Vetting Process:
  • Apps undergo two separate reviews by Google:
    • OAuth Verification: Ensures proper use of user data.
    • App Review: Focuses on information provided by the developer, functionality, and usability.
• Types of Add-ons: Google Workspace add-ons, editor add-ons, Google Chat apps, Classroom add-ons, Drive apps, and web apps.
• Deployment Control: Admins can control add-on installations, allowing or disallowing users to install add-ons themselves. They can also create allow lists of approved add-ons.
• Example: Gmail, Gemini, and Salesforce integration add-on. This add-on brings Salesforce data into Gmail with Gemini's assistance.
• Governance: Admins have an extra layer of governance, allowing them to check what type of data is accessed by the add-on before installation.

2. AppSheet: No-Code App Development for Empowered Teams

• Main Topic: Empowering users to create applications without coding using AppSheet.
• Key Points:
  • No-code platform for creating apps that work on desktop and mobile.
  • Suitable for frontline workers and other teams.
  • Governance and policy controls are available for IT departments to monitor and manage created apps.
• Citizen Developers: AppSheet enables users without coding experience to build custom solutions.
• Connectors: Over 50 connectors to third-party systems.
• REST API: AppSheet REST API allows integration with existing automations.
• Ease of Use:
  • Templates are available to jump-start app creation.
  • Gemini can generate apps based on user prompts.
• Governance: IT departments and admins can be aware of what is being created.

3. Macros in Google Sheets: Automating Repetitive Tasks

• Main Topic: Automating tasks within Google Sheets using macros.
• Key Points:
  • Macros can be recorded to automate repetitive actions, such as creating pivot tables.
  • Recording a macro automatically creates an Apps Script function.
  • The generated Apps Script code can be edited to customize the macro.
• Example: Recording a macro to create a pivot table.
• Integration: Google Sheets can connect with other systems like Oracle, Looker, and BigQuery.
• Gemini Assistance: Gemini can assist with macro translations.

4. Apps Script: Extending Workspace Functionality

• Main Topic: Using Apps Script to automate, connect, and extend Google Workspace functionality.
• Key Points:
  • Apps Script is Google Workspace's programming language.
  • It allows for more complex automations than simple macros.
• Example: Automating customer meeting requests:
  • Google Form for requesters to submit information.
  • Apps Script processes submissions, creates calendar events, and sends emails.
  • Involves Google Forms, Sheets, Calendar, and Gmail.
• Process:
  1. Get data from Google Sheets using spreadsheet service, getDataRange, and getValues.
  2. Use calendar service to create calendar events.
  3. Use Gmail service to send email messages.
• Gemini Integration: Gemini can assist in creating Apps Script automations.
  • Feasibility checks, options for service accounts or API keys.

5. Google Workspace APIs & Vertex AI: Advanced Custom Solutions

• Main Topic: Leveraging Google Workspace APIs and Vertex AI for advanced integrations and custom solutions.
• Key Points:
  • Over 25 Google Workspace APIs available.
  • Integration with Vertex AI (Google's AI development platform) enables custom AI models.
• Example: Identifying angry customers in Gmail:
  • Custom AI model trained on ERP data.
  • Google Workspace add-on extends Gmail.
  • Clicking "Identify angry customers" calls Vertex API.
  • Gemini 2.0 Flash performs sentiment analysis.
  • Messages with negative sentiment are labeled.
• Implementation:
  • Apps Script is used to create the Google Workspace add-on.
  • A dedicated service account in the associated GCP project is used to access Vertex AI.
  • Gemini 2.0 Flash is used for sentiment analysis.
  • Vertex AI provides access to over 130 different AI models.

Conclusion

The presentation outlines various methods for integrating and customizing Google Workspace, ranging from simple add-ons in the Marketplace to complex AI-powered solutions using Apps Script and Vertex AI. It emphasizes the importance of admin governance and empowering users to create their own solutions through no-code platforms like AppSheet. The integration of Gemini as an AI assistant throughout the development process is highlighted as a key enabler for both novice and experienced developers. The journey progresses from readily available solutions to custom-built applications, showcasing the flexibility and extensibility of the Google Workspace platform.