Google is looking to switch users of its desktop software to paid subscriptions, which means your company will soon have to pay for Gmail, Docs and Sheets or lose access.
Starting May 1, 2022, users of the free legacy edition of G Suite will need to upgrade to a paid Google Workspace subscription to continue using the software.
Google says the free legacy edition of G Suite will no longer be available from July 1, 2022, and all users won't be able to start paying after 60 days of lockdown.
Google Workspace Subscription
"To maintain your services and accounts... please upgrade before May 1, 2022," says a help page on Google's support site. "Upgrading to Google Workspace only takes a few steps without disrupting your users. After upgrading, you can use your new subscription for free until at least July 1, 2022."
In a separate email to administrators seen by TechRadar Pro, the company said as of May 1 that it plans to automatically upgrade free users to "an enhanced Google Workspace paid subscription" based on its analysis of client usage and features. what you think you have going to need
Google Workplace plans start at €6/user/month for its Business Starter option, with Business Standard (€12/user/month) and Business Plus €18/user/month also offered, offering an increasing level of services with the amount paid.
Google is offering a 12-month discount and won't start charging subscription fees until July 1, 2022. The company also offers businesses that don't want to pay or upgrade the ability to export their data at no additional cost.
Google rebranded G Suite as a workspace in October 2020 in an effort to further structure its myriad of apps and services.
Initially described as "the future of work," the new platform sought to improve the interoperability of its various productivity services, blurring the lines between each product for a more seamless feel.
The change also coincided with a major shift in the way staff work and collaborate with one another due to the new hybrid work lifestyle fostered by the pandemic.
“It's the end of the 'office' as we know it. Going forward, teams need to thrive without meeting in person, save time to focus on more impactful work, and connect with people in new ways,” Google said at the time.