G Suite Is Now Google Workspace: What’s The Difference Between Them?

Microsoft and Google recently renamed their leading SaaS platforms, within weeks of each other. Office 365 is now Microsoft 365 and G Suite (of Google Apps fame) is now Google Workspace. It ties in with a paradigm shift to refocus on the employee working-from-home. A response to the industry-wide move to the remote or hybrid workforce. As Javier Soltero, VP and GM of Google Workspace says, “Work is no longer a physical place we go to, and interactions that used to take place in person are being rapidly digitized. It represents a significant opportunity to help people succeed in this highly distributed and increasingly digitized world”. The newly banded Google Workspace promises to enhance and remote-tune the incredibly productive and collaborative mechanisms of its former self. Let’s examine the rationale and the impact of the renaming of G Suite to Google Workspace with a detailed Google Workspace Vs G Suite comparison.

G Suite Renamed As Google Workspace

The en-masse shift to remote has disrupted the way we work. Central to it has been a surge in the adoption of cloud-based SaaS platforms to support employees working from home. G Suite crossed six million paying customers. However, G Suite functionally and visually stayed the same. Its applications and integrations catering predominantly to a work-from-office user; whose requirements differ from a work-from-home user. The shift to the remote workforce has disrupted business workflows and communication methods. Organizations have turned to flexible, dynamic, and device-agnostic collaboration frameworks, technologies, and applications. This name change reflects Google’s response to the needs of this new normal. One that is here to stay. 

Google Workspace Caters to the New Normal – The Remote Worker

While Google Workspace is an exceptionally secure platform, it cannot protect you from data loss or corruption at your end. There is no assured method to recover data lost due to human error, malware, sync errors, and/or malicious intent. So much so that Google recommends third-party backup as a surefire way for point-in-time recovery. Native options like Trash and Vault are time-bound and tedious.

Advanced Security Features of Google Workspace:

• Double Authentication and Single Sign-On: Google Workspace addresses advanced security needs by offering robust features like double authentication and single sign-on, which help to secure access and protect sensitive business information.
• Vault and Cloud Search: For businesses that handle large volumes of confidential files, the Business and Enterprise plans include applications such as Vault and Cloud Search. These tools are designed for data management and compliance, ensuring that your business-critical data is secure and easily retrievable.

Moreover, with the new Google Workspace, only the Business Plus plan includes Google Vault. It is available as a paid add-on for the Business Starter and Business Standard Plans at approximately $5 per user, per month as an add-on price. Why pay almost double for a tool meant for archival? One which does not offer easy and/or unlimited point-in-time recovery, that is essential for easy disaster recovery and seamless business continuity. A must for the organization that has all its business-critical data on G Suite – particularly a remote one.

By understanding and leveraging these security options, businesses can better protect their digital assets while ensuring efficient disaster recovery and continuity planning.

How to Switch Your Business to Google Apps

Transitioning your business to Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) can enhance collaboration and streamline operations. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the switch seamlessly:

1. Assess Your Needs:

   • Determine how many users will need access.
   • Identify which Google applications your team will utilize, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Meet.

2. Choose a Plan:

   • Explore the various Google Workspace plans available. Consider the features that align with your business size and requirements.
   • Compare pricing tiers to decide the best fit for your budget.

3. Sign Up for Google Workspace:

   • Visit the official Google Workspace website to create an account.
   • Follow the enrollment process to set up your primary domain.

4. Set Up User Accounts:

   • Create individual user accounts for each team member.
   • Assign roles and permissions according to job functions.

5. Migrate Existing Data:

   • Use Google’s migration tools to transfer emails, calendars, and contacts from your current system.
   • Ensure all data is backed up before starting the migration.

6. Train Your Team:

   • Provide training resources to help your team adapt to the new system.
   • Utilize Google’s extensive help center for support.

7. Customize Settings:

   • Tailor Google Workspace settings to fit your company’s policies and workflow.
   • Enable security features like two-factor authentication for enhanced protection.

8. Launch and Monitor:

   • Officially launch Google Workspace company-wide.
   • Continuously monitor usage and resolve any issues promptly.

By following these steps, your business can unlock a suite of powerful tools designed to boost productivity and collaboration.

Comparing Cloud Storage: Free Google Applications vs. Business Plans

When considering cloud storage, free Google applications provide 15GB of space. This is often sufficient for individual users managing personal files. However, businesses typically require more. Business-focused plans offer significantly more storage, ranging from 30GB to unlimited space, depending on the specific plan chosen.

In summary:

• Free Plan: 15GB of storage
• Business Plans: 30GB to potentially unlimited storage

Opt for the plan that best fits your needs based on your storage requirements.

Google Workspace Vs G Suite: What are the Differences Between G Suite and Google Workspace

When comparing Google Workspace Vs G Suite, we see that Google Workspace introduces these enhancements:

• Integrated User Experience to help distributed teams collaborate more effectively and power new digital customer experiences. Google Workspace collates chat, email, voice/video calling, content management, and collaboration into one unified experience to facilitate seamless channel-switching. For example, in Docs, Sheets, and Slides, you can preview a linked file. It also supports document creation and collaboration on-the-fly in Chat itself.
• New Pricing that reflects Google Workspace’s product vision and its openness to engage with organizations of various sizes and requirements. Google Workspace’s Business Starter ($6 per user per month) and Business Standard  ($12 per user per month) are similar to G Suite’s Basic and Business plans. To address the security vulnerabilities of remote work, there is Google Workspace Business Plus  ($18 per user per month) with added security features. There also are Google Workspace Enterprise Standard and Enterprise Plus plans, the pricing for which is not published.
• Updates to security and privacy: Google Workspace comes with the ability to create flexible and scalable work spaces that are device or browser agnostic. New features have been added to Meet and Chat to facilitate safe communication. Audit logs and data protection insights give admins increased visibility and control for their organizations.

For a detailed comparison of the various Google Workspace options, refer to the table here.

The Advantages of User Administration Controls in G Suite for Business

User administration controls are a game-changer for businesses experiencing growth. As your team expands, managing access and ensuring security becomes crucial. This is where having robust user administration tools comes into play.

Key Benefits of User Administration Controls in G Suite for Business:

1. Enhanced Security:
   • Protect sensitive company data by regulating who can access what information.
   • Prevent unauthorized device access to ensure your business remains secure.
2. Streamlined User Management:
   • Easily add or remove users to adapt to changing team structures.
   • Customize settings for individual users, tailoring access levels to fit specific roles.
3. Centralized Control:
   • Handle all user permissions from a single dashboard.
   • Efficiently deploy updates and changes across your organization with minimal friction.
4. Efficiency in Growth:
   • Scale your business operations smoothly, without administration bottlenecks.
   • Maintain consistent productivity as you onboard new team members quickly and seamlessly.

With these capabilities, user administration controls not only protect your business but also enhance operational efficiency.

What Sets Free Google Apps Apart from G Suite for Business?

Understanding the differences between free Google applications and G Suite for business can help you make an informed decision about what’s right for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key distinctions:

1. Professional Email Domain

A major benefit of G Suite over free Google apps is the ability to utilize a professional email address. While free Gmail accounts feature an @gmail.com domain, G Suite provides you with a personalized domain like name@yourcompany.com. This professional touch can enhance your brand’s credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential clients.

2. Enhanced Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is a cornerstone of Google applications. Free users receive 15GB, typically sufficient for personal use. However, for businesses that rely on extensive data storage, this is often restrictive. G Suite Business plans offer substantially more space, starting from 30GB up to unlimited storage, depending on your subscription tier.

3. Reliable Service Uptime

Businesses require reliable access to their digital resources. G Suite guarantees 99.9% uptime, thanks to Google’s robust infrastructure. This assurance is crucial in maintaining uninterrupted business operations and ensuring seamless collaboration among team members.

4. Advanced Security Features

Security is paramount, especially for businesses managing sensitive information. While standard Google apps offer solid security, G Suite provides advanced options like two-factor authentication and single sign-on. Higher-tier plans also include additional tools such as Vault for data retention and Cloud Search for enhanced data management.

5. User Management Controls

As your business expands, managing multiple users effectively becomes essential. G Suite offers a comprehensive admin console, allowing you to manage user access, configure device policies, and implement various security settings effortlessly. This level of control is particularly beneficial for businesses with growing teams.

By examining these core differences, you can decide whether free Google applications meet your current needs or if upgrading to G Suite for business would provide greater long-term value.

Understanding G Suite’s Uptime Guarantee for Businesses

When considering G Suite services for your business, one critical factor to consider is its uptime guarantee. G Suite offers an impressive 99.9% uptime promise. This level of reliability is possible thanks to the robust infrastructure provided by some of the most advanced servers in the world.

• Consistency You Can Count On: With the support of these cutting-edge servers, G Suite ensures that your business remains connected and operational with minimal disruptions.
• Peace of Mind for Business Operations: Downtime can be costly and disruptive, but with this high availability assurance, businesses can operate smoothly and efficiently.

The combination of this high availability and Google’s technological prowess ensures that G Suite remains a top choice for business productivity solutions.

G Suite and Google Workspace – Securing SaaS Data Is A Must

While Google Workspace is an exceptionally secure platform, it cannot protect you from data loss or corruption at your end. There is no assured method to recover data lost due to human error, malware, sync errors, and/or malicious intent. So much so that Google recommends third-party backup as a surefire way for point-in-time recovery. Native options like Trash and Vault are time-bound and tedious. Moreover, with the new Google Workspace, only the Business Plus plan includes Google Vault. It is available as a paid add-on for the Business Starter and Business Standard Plans at approximately $5 per user, per month as an add-on price. Why pay almost double for a tool meant for archival? One which does not offer easy and/or unlimited point-in-time recovery, that is essential for easy disaster recovery and seamless business continuity. A must for the organization that has all its business-critical data on G Suite – particularly a remote one. Read our free ebook on Why enterprises need SaaS backup. 

CloudAlly’s backup solutions comprehensively protect Google Workspace with automated backup and easy recovery from any point-in-time. All plans include unlimited storage on AWS servers. Google Workspace backup protects Mail, Shared Drives (Shared Drives (formerly Team Drive), Calendars, Contacts, Tasks, and Metadata backup. Our solutions are stringently secure and compliant (ISO 27001, HIPAA and GDPR compliant, support for MFA/2FA and OAuth, data encryption in-transit and at rest, and more). And our exceptional tier-1, multi-channel Customer Support is a call, phone, chat, email, or ticket away.

Don’t Risk Google Workspace data loss. Secure it with SaaS backup.