Gmail in the classroom

I don't currently use gmail in the classroom, but see many benefits to implementing it.  I believe one of the biggest benefits is the ability to make communication very efficient through using class groups and the chat feature.  These features would enable me to give instructions that students can access as needed and the ability to edit and share information. The chat feature would facilitate conversations between myself and students and I believe would limit the amount of email sent.  Gmail would allow me to easily organize emails by using classroom groups, folders and setting up labels.  Overall, I believe gmail makes communication much easier and more efficient.