Google-apps – Google “Start Page” Service is missing from Google Apps

google-apps

I'm using Google Apps Standard Edition on two different domains. On one of them when I press Add more services, I see the Start Page service which will:

Let [domain] users access services from a
central place. Preview inboxes and
calendar events, access essential
content, and search the web`.

… but on the other I don't see this Google Service listed. I'm trying to enable it on the one where it doesn't show up.

Notes:

  • The Start Page is listed directly underneath Google Services, not under Other services. It's not listed as New! or Labs.
  • I made sure that the important Domain Settings of both sites are exactly the same: Automatically add new services when the become available (enabled), Enable pre-release features (enabled), and Control panel (Next generation).
  • I noticed another difference between the two domain's control panels: on the one with Start Page, it's missing the Domain Names tab under Domain Settings. If I go to the other site's Domain Settings page, I see only one domain listed, since I haven't used this feature.
  • I am logged in as an administrator to both control panels (obviously).
  • The one that has the Start Page option, I created about a week ago. The one without the option, I created about a year ago.
  • With the exception of this one service, they both show the exact same services that can be added or removed.
  • Searching the Google Apps Marketplace for Start Page doesn't return any relevant results.

Update: I just logged in today and now I do see the service listed.

Best Answer

This used to be available, but has been discontinued:

Note: The previous Start Page service was a syndicated version of iGoogle; it allows you to set up a dynamic homepage (one start page layout per domain) for your users that brings together your content, Google services, and the best of the web. Starting on 3 December 2008, the Start Page is no longer included for new organizations that sign up for Google Apps.

(From: http://www.google.com/support/a/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=46798)

However, you can now make your own via Google Sites:

As a Google Apps administrator, you can create a Start Page for your users, using the Google Sites Start Page template. This page is your users' homepage, on which they can access their Google services and other content -- such as interactive gadgets and RSS feeds -- when they log in to their Google Apps accounts.their Google Apps accounts.

(From the tutorial: http://www.google.com/support/a/bin/answer.py?answer=179916

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