Google Inc. is rolling out a test version of App Maker, an application developer tool for enterprises that doesn’t require as much manual coding.

App Maker is intended to software developers to build and deploy apps within their organization faster than they could with conventional app development. App Maker forms part of G Suite for Business.

G Suite’s App Maker is similar to other offerings such as Microsoft Corp.’s PowerApps, which the company made generally available last month following a preview program. Other services include Oracle Corp.’s Project Visual Code, which the company launched in September, QuickBase Inc. and SkyGiraffe Ltd.

In addition, Google announced seven new apps as part of its “Recommended for G Suite” program.

How to get access to App Maker

App Maker is currently only available through Google’s Early Adopter Program for G Suite Business customers. If you aren’t a member of the Early Adopter Program, you can sign up here and get access to App Maker.

App Maker features

Quick build time

App Maker includes a simple drag-and-drop user interface, built-in templates and point-and-click data modeling that allows business users to go from a prototype for a simple app to a deployed version in days rather than months.

For serious coders, App Maker also provides access to HTML, CSS, Javascript and Google’s material design visual framework.

Built-in support for G Suite products

App Maker offers built-in support for G Suite products, such as Slides, Calendar and Sheets, as well as other services like Maps, Contacts and Groups.

App Maker also offers users the ability to use other Google Cloud services, including Directory API and Prediction API, as well as third-party APIs.

Based on Google functionality

App Maker uses the same functionality used by Google to build its 300 plus apps, including Gmail, Drive and Docs. Google handles the resources necessary to run App Maker apps in the background, including servers, capacity planning, infrastructure security and monitoring.

New recommended apps

Google launched its “Recommended for G Suite” program a year ago, which provides a variety of third-party apps in categories like project management, customer support, finance and accounting. These third-party apps integrate with various G Suite programs to help users manage all aspects of their business.

The new recommended apps include:

• Asana: allows business users to track and manage team projects.
• DocuSign: G Suite is now integrated with DocuSign’s eSignature service and Digital Transaction Management platform.
• Freshdesk: offers cloud-based customer support software that lets companies categorize and prioritize issues.
• LumApps: creates a central intranet hub for a business that incorporates corporate news, business applications including G Suite and social collaboration.
• Virtru: integrates encryption directly into G Suite to ensure only authorized parties can access emails and attachments.
• Xero: online accounting software for small businesses.
• Zoho Invoice: online invoicing for freelancers and small businesses, provides the ability to bill clients, track expenses and manage multiple projects.   

All these apps are available for download from the G Suite Marketplace. Follow the relevant app’s link (shown above) or scroll through the list of apps on the site > click the “+” icon to download and install the app on your device.

If you are interested in learning more about the various recommended apps offered by G Suite, you can sign up for the G Suite webinar series.  

Images via Google