Google has recently announced that legacy G Suite free edition will no longer be available from 1 July 2022. Google G Suite free edition was originally available for businesses and schools, some 16 years ago, however Google has now advised that it requires its clients to transition all remaining users to an upgraded Google Workspace paid subscription.
Whilst Google G Suite free users have the option to upgrade to Google Workspace by 1 May 2022, we would encourage you to consider your options as to whether Google Workspace is suitable for your requirements or move to an alternative provider such as Microsoft 365.
Over the past few weeks, we have been working a number of prospective clients using Google to assist in them in their decision process. One of the significant differences between Google Workspace and Microsoft, is that Google is almost entirely operated via a website browser, whereas Microsoft uses a combination of website browser and installed apps on your computer. Also, Google Workspace is currently hosted overseas, whereas Microsoft 365 is hosted in Sydney and Melbourne. Generally speaking, the cost of a Google Workspace licence is identical to a Microsoft 365 licence, however the cost to migrate requires consideration.
In our experience, Google Workspace has been ideal for individual users in micro-businesses not requiring use of Microsoft products. However, once you require the use of either Microsoft 365 Apps for business (such as Word, Excel or Outlook), or Microsoft Outlook, SharePoint or Teams, the advantages of having a single platform is worth the change.
CyberGuru has significant experience in migrating clients, both small and large, from Google G Suite and Google Workspace to Microsoft 365, and would be happy for you to contact us for a consultation if we can assist in any way.