Maybe that headline is too general. There are many aspects of Gmail — love it or hate it — that are vastly different than other mail applications and services. But today in particular, I am focused on their understanding that not all of us are online all the time. It’s getting closer, but not there yet.

In the meantime, let Google fill in a hole that most of us have enjoyed with other mail services, especially MS Exchange. In those rare times that I am not connected, all my gmail is held hostage. Unless I have pulled the mail into a client, which in a lot of ways defeats the purpose of gmail, I can’t access any of my mail.

Fret no more!  Google Labs has introduces Offline Gmail. With a simple app download, you are up and running in about 5 minutes.

I’m not here to pat Google on the back for this, but what is important is that Google recognizes how people work and adapt their product as needed.

Eric, how does this relate to higher ed web. I’m glad you asked. Your admission process, alumni relations processes, and other efforts across campus need to keep in mind that not everything happens online. And not everything happens the way you want it to. Usability testing is a growing necessity in our world, but let’s not forget to ask the questions of what they want to do/see/communicate when your key audiences are offline.

And at a minimum, download the offline gmail app…you never know when you’re going to be caught without a connection.