Usually, building a site from scratch requires not only a lot of work, but also some technical skills and HTML knowledge. But this not the case with Google Sites, an application based on the work of previously-acquired JotSpot.

Similarly to other Google’s products such as Google Spreadsheet or Google Presentations, Google Sites is simple, efficient, with an intuitive interface, basically one of the easiest-to-use Web site editors.

Of course, all is maintained on Google’s servers, which means you do not have to worry about any technical issues or availability.

Google Sites works perfectly with photos, videos, calendar or spreadsheets and in a matter of minutes, the average user may create a quite a complex website. Don’t expect anything fancy though, because Google Sites is first of all about efficiency and simplicity.

However there are some advanced options. For example each time a user creates a page he should specify is the comments or attachments are allowed an hoe that page will be displayed in the site.

But what is more important is that the Google’s solution allows team work. Imagine that you should set up a website with your friends to share some pictures or video files.

Working with Google Sites, you can invite your friends to edit the site as owners or as collaborators. The application includes a tracking section, where each activity can be easily viewed and edited, if this is the case.

In a post on Google’s Official Blog, Scott Johnston, Senior Product Manager (former VP of Products at JotSpot), has summarized perfectly the team concept behind Google Sites.

“In the last 10 years, the way all of us work has changed. We've grown accustomed to always being connected through email and instant messaging. Consequently, people are working together in teams more often, with larger groups, and with others who may be in different parts of the country or the world. We are shifting our focus from personal to team productivity. It's less about "you" and more about "us."”, he wrote.

Overall, Google Sites is a nice addition to Google Apps and it has several advantages: is free, it doesn’t require any special training or knowledge and it is perfect to quickly publish on the Web the desired information.

Probably, as it happened with Docs and Presentation, in time Google will add some new features, such as the possibility to add new features or to edit your site from your mobile phone? Who knows!

Anyway, until now enjoy this video presentation of Google Sites.