BetterCloud Gets Funding For Better Google Apps Management Security

Google Apps Marketplace BetterCloud acquired $2.2 in funds for the purpose of developing better management and security tools for Google Apps.

BetterCloud launched a beta version of their Google Apps management tool FlashPanel which will be publicly available by the middle of 2012.

Pricing for the tool is yet to be announced, but it promises these features:

• Domain management from one dashboard: Ability for domain admins as well as managed services providers access to domain vitals such as users, organizational and group units, active profile tracking and quota usage for Google Docs, and unused and suspended seats.

• Granular management and shared contacts: Everyday domain management stuff like syncing shared contacts to with mobile devices and adding users to new groups.

• End-user tools: Including standardized email signature standardization creates a unified company brand. Also, Apps Butler, integrated with Google Chat, retrieves company directory contact information on-demand and can be used to broadcast company-wide announcements.

• Reporting, surveillance and user on-boarding: On demand scans which provides data on email inboxes and domain stats. User on-boarding gives administrators the ability to provision as well as de-provision employees right from the FlashPanel.

BetterCloud also has a security tool for Google Apps administrators in the form of DomainWatch. The tool allows managed services providers as well as customers a more detailed view and control how end users use Google Apps on a daily basis.