Google Apps now allow business and school IT administrators to let users create, manage and collaborate in groups without needing IT help. As a result administrators can now enable new groups functionality from control panel by enabling “user-managed groups” service. Following “Google Groups” features are now included in Google Apps Premier and Education Editions: • Fast set-up lets employees and students create collaborative groups instantly without burdening IT • Searchable archives allows users to easily search and view archieved discussions via web • Sharing with a group lets employees and students share a document, spreadsheet, presentation, shared folder, site, calendar, or video with that group • Reply on behalf of a group lets group managers send a message on behalf of a group, in addition to communicating via email or web interface • IT capabilities lets IT administrators manage if and how users can create groups from administrative control panel.

More info: Google blog