Google Apps gets an updated Admin console with logical groupings, drag and drop for controls, and a direct URL

Google on Wednesday announced an update to the Admin console for Google Apps that features new logical groupings, drag and drop for controls, and a direct URL. The company says the changes will be rolling out to existing customers “over the next few weeks” so don’t fret if you don’t see them yet.

First up, Google says Apps users will be able to accomplish tasks faster thanks to new logical groupings designed to make navigating to the right setting as quickly as possible. Admins can now find settings like delegated administration right under the Admin Roles control.

Next up, you can now customize the Admin console by simply dragging and dropping the controls you wherever you need. This means you can also remove the ones you don’t.

Last but certainly not least, the Admin console is now more easily accessible at admin.google.com. Just head there and login directly (we’re seriously wondering why it wasn’t always like this).

This means you no longer have to remember (or bookmark) a long URL like google.com/a/domain.com. Google says it found other users were searching for the “manage domain” link in Gmail, which can also be much slower than just going to the new subdomain mentioned above.

For more information on what’s new, Google has a document outlining everything over on Google Docs. The first page highlights the following changes:

• Cleaner look.
• Easier to navigate.
• Improved organization.
• Customizable Dashboard.
• New bulk user actions.
• New usage and activity stats.
• Universal search bar.
• New access to organizational units (orgs).

If you prefer a more visual approach, Google also has a YouTube video that goes through most of the improvements:

In short, this is a notable revamp and should help admins manage Google Apps more easily.

See also – Google stops offering Google Apps for free to focus on providing a paid-for experience and Google revamps Apps support site with documentation, training, and self-help resources

Top Image Credit: David Cohen/Google