Google will no longer penalize free G Suite legacy users
Google has backtracked on a proposed change to how G Suite works for legacy users
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Googlehas had a change of heart about a recent decision affecting non-paying legacy users of its G Suiteproductivity applications.
At the start of 2022, Googlesent out a messageto anyone using G Suite legacy free edition – which lets users access itsemail,cloud storageand other apps on a customdomain– and said that, starting in May, users would need to pay.
“For businesses, the G Suite legacy free edition will no longer be available starting June 27, 2022,” the companynow says. “We recommend you upgrade now to a Google Workspace subscription that meets your needs to begin using your new security and collaboration functionality at no cost through August 1, 2022.”
“If you’re using the G Suite legacy free edition for non-commercial purposes, you can opt out of the transition to Google Workspace,” the note reads. " You can continue using your custom domain withGmail, retain access to no-cost Google services such asGoogle DriveandGoogle Meet, and keep your purchases and data."
A battle for the office
After the pandemic set the stage for remote andhybrid working, Google has been in an intense battle withMicrosoft, Slack, and other enterprise software developers for company dollars and employee eyeballs.
Google Chat may tell on you when you’re slacking off>This Google Workspace update will help you avoid all meetings for good, if you want>Google Calendar fixes one of its most annoying quirks
Microsoft 365is perhaps the most dominant platform, thanks to the company’s deep relationships with companies, butGoogle Workspaceis getting there.
The biggest thing Google has going for it is the fact that many, many people already use its services because they’re free, unlike the Office suite, and that’s especially true in educational institutions.
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While that might not move the needle at the moment, over the coming years, familiarity with Google’s services among the workforce could prove to be a huge boon for the company.
Max Slater-Robins has been writing about technology for nearly a decade at various outlets, covering the rise of the technology giants, trends in enterprise and SaaS companies, and much more besides. Originally from Suffolk, he currently lives in London and likes a good night out and walks in the countryside.
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