Can I create apps directly in gmail using google apps (google.com/a)?

Question

We are looking for a CRM web application, and so far salesforce.com/force.com seems to be the only one that allows you to create applications directly on your platform. However, I was wondering if gmail / google apps offer the same freedom on their platform.

So far, we have found that the firefox extension is “exactly” what we are looking for. You can take a look at http://rapportive.com/ . As you can see, the contact details are displayed directly in the gmail interface. The only problem is that the extension can become unstable if gmail changes its interface or slower if we want more complex functions, so I would like to know if functions can be created directly on the gmail platform. Basically, we would like to “update” the gmail application with additional features (for example, automatically reply based on the contents of the email, view contact details as in the rapportive.com extension, etc.

Answer 1

Have you tried the Gmail contextual gadget ?

I have not tried it myself. But it looks like you described.

Answer 2

You can create applications on Salesforce / Force.com and integrate them directly into GMail. Take a look here, for example: http://www.google.com/enterprise/marketplace/viewListing?productListingId=77+14864804227734519682

I work as a cloud development technical guide at the Daily Telegraph, and I highly recommend using Salesforce / Force.com for any CRM requirements. Everything else is still pretty behind.

Answer 3

I just looked at Streak http://www.streak.com/ , and their integration with GMail looks pretty impressive. I was wondering how they can do this, but now I noticed that they require the installation of a Chrome extension.

Answer 4

Google provides you with Google AppEngine , which is a platform where you can develop your application using python or java.

Using AppEngine, you can authenticate via gmail or (better) your current domain by registering it with Google Apps.

GMail is not a platform, it is a mail service, and you cannot create applications there.

Answer 5

I'm not sure I understand your question. Do you want the CRM app to work well with GMAIL / google apps, or do you want to create CRM apps in GMAIL / Google Apps?

I guess the former, as I do not know how to achieve the latter. If you are looking for a CRM application that integrates well with Google Apps, GMAIL, etc. then you should definitely check out Salesforce.com. The Force.com platform is unparalleled in enterprise cloud computing. But keep in mind that it will cost you a lot if your requirements increase. And I also argue that the initial learning curve is a little steep. But once you get used to the platform, productivity will grow exponentially.

And, as I said, it can be integrated (although the path is not smooth) with other cloud services such as AWS, Google, etc.