Earlier today we covered the launch of Apps.gov, the U.S. Government's attempt to "Go Google" by offering cloud-based web apps to its various agencies, including a suite of Google Apps. So perhaps it isn't a surprise to hear that Google is also launching apps designed specifically for the public sector.
The new product, Google Public Sector, is essentially a directory and information site that helps city, state, and national government agencies and organizations coordinate, promote, and work more efficiently.
To say it's groundbreaking would be misleading. It links to Google's top apps, describing how they can help a government agency stay lean and get projects completed. It also has a section for the latest news and videos related to the intersection of Government and Google.
Yet the connection built today between Google and the U.S. Government is refreshing. Google and other social apps have a great deal to offer government employees in terms of speed, efficiency, and engagement. Clearly both sides are trying to meet in the middle.