Google Brings AppSheet Automation to Gmail & Jira Support to Chat

Google Enhances AppSheet with Direct Gmail Integration

Google has unveiled a new functionality for its AppSheet automation platform, empowering developers utilizing the no-code environment to construct bespoke applications and automated processes that interface directly with Gmail. This advancement allows for the creation of applications triggered and executed from within a user’s Gmail inbox, leveraging the potential of dynamic email.

Expanding AppSheet Capabilities

AppSheet developers can now design approval workflows or asset management systems, for instance, that can be updated directly from within an email. While dynamic email was initially introduced by Google in 2019, widespread adoption by developers has been limited until now.

Praveen Seshadri, CEO and founder of AppSheet – acquired by Google in 2020 – emphasized that this represents a significant, albeit incremental, step towards the platform’s core objective. This objective is to facilitate the conversion of user ideas into functional software and to connect developers, or “creators” as he terms them, with their target audience where they already operate.

Empowering "Creators" and Streamlining Workflows

Seshadri explained that the focus is shifting towards enabling individuals with ideas for process improvement and automation to build solutions. Traditionally, application development was the domain of skilled programmers, but AppSheet aims to integrate automation more seamlessly into the everyday experiences of end-users.

“We’re in the process of determining how to empower those we call creators – individuals with concepts for enhancing processes or implementing automation – to actually build those solutions,” Seshadri stated. “We’re moving beyond simply offering applications and striving to integrate them more deeply into the user experience.”

Business users, being closest to operational challenges, often possess a clear understanding of their automation needs. AppSheet’s declarative approach allows them to concentrate on desired outcomes rather than the complex technical steps required to achieve them, even without coding expertise.

A Collaborative Approach to Development

Seshadri also acknowledged that no-code users and traditional engineers often collaborate. While AppSheet simplifies application creation, maintaining the underlying database typically requires the expertise of a database administrator.

Currently, the team’s primary focus extends beyond expanding AppSheet’s capabilities to optimizing how end-users interact with these enhancements.

“Historically, using an application meant navigating to a dedicated platform,” Seshadri clarified. “For tasks like expense reporting or recruitment, users had to switch between different applications. We aim to eliminate this context switching by bringing AppSheet applications directly into the user’s existing workflow, such as their Gmail inbox.”

Expanding the Google Workspace Ecosystem

Gmail serves as a natural starting point within Google Workspace, but the overarching goal is to provide users with access to the tools they need within their current work environment.

New Jira Integration for Google Chat and Spaces

Alongside the AppSheet update, Google is also launching a new integration between Google Chat and Spaces (formerly known as “Rooms”) and Atlassian’s Jira. This integration allows users to create new Jira tickets directly from Chat and Spaces, preview ticket details, and monitor ongoing issues.

This functionality mirrors capabilities already available in platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, effectively closing a gap in Google’s suite of tools.

Joff Redfern, chief product officer at Atlassian, highlighted the importance of seamless integration in modern work environments. “Modern work demands rapid context switching and tool utilization,” Redfern said. “An open ecosystem and tight integrations between frequently used tools are crucial for user success. Our Trello integration with Gmail has been installed by over 7 million users since 2017, and we are excited to extend our partnership with Google to further enhance work collaboration through the integration of Jira with Google Chat and Spaces.”