Google is going ahead with its plans to bring WorkSpace to more business users, but it knows that a good part of them will not make the jump to the paid version easily. That is why they announced that from today this suite of integrated productivity applications has a new plan: Google Workspace is now free, but without Gmail . How does this new type of subscription work?
Workspace Essentials Starte Edition, everything you need to know about Google’s new free plan
Since the name change from G Suite to Workspace, Google has maintained free access to its users , but with small limitations such as 15 GB of shared storage between its apps. This will stop being the case very soon, because Google has other plans for its app ecosystem. Does this mean a user won’t be able to use Workspace for free going forward? Yes and no, because Google will maintain free access, but with important nuances thanks to its new subscription.
Google announced the launch of Workspace Essentials Starter Edition, a plan that allows users to enjoy different tools for free and without trial restrictions. The subscription includes access to Google Docs, Slides, Chat, Sheets, Drive and Meet , as well as the ability to work simultaneously with teams of up to 25 people (although you can register any number of devices). All the security and encryption features that these applications have are also included, but there is one relevant detail that you will not like.
This new plan does not include Gmail, a very important productivity application for many. What impact does this generate? A pretty strong one, because you won’t be able to access Workspace Essentials Starter with your personal Google account. Instead, you’ll need to use an existing business email that ‘s registered with Workspace or the legacy version of G Suite, even if you don’t pay anything. Why does Google make this decision?
Google wants users to migrate to paid subscriptions in Workspace
News like this will surely hit you like a bucket of water, but Google recalled that Workspace is an ecosystem designed for the business sector . In addition, a couple of days ago the company announced that it would withdraw the free subscriptions associated with the old G Suite services (predecessor of Workspace), since this platform will disappear completely as of July 1.
On the other hand, Google explained that this movement will allow many users to continue using basic tools, something that tends to be enough according to their criteria. However, in particular, it seems to us that this new plan does not cover the gap that will be left by the free subscription that existed until now.
Finally, Google detailed that the implementation of Workspace Essentials Stater will be done progressively over the next few weeks and may not be available in some regions until mid-February .
Do you think this new Google plan is a wise decision? Would you be willing to pay for a better plan (like Business Starter) to use Workspace? We are waiting for you in the comment box.
