Google has expanded access to Google Workspace to all users, and is enhancing the security of the SaaS application suite. But if you read between the lines, Google appears to be seeking paid consumer subscriptions and small business SaaS customers in a bid to counter Microsoft 365 and Office 365.
The Google Workspace portfolio now spans Gmail, Chat, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet and more, according to the search giant. A new Google Workspace Individual subscription plan starts at $7.99 per month including a temporary $2 discount. The service provides smart booking services, professional video meetings and personalized email marketing. Additional features are under development, Google says.
The SaaS subscription service will also add appointment booking, newsletter production and other tools.
Google Workspace: Enhanced Cloud Security
Meanwhile, Google is also strengthening security for the SaaS suite. Key moves include:
- Client-side encryption;
- more meeting security in the fall of 2021; and
- Trust rules for Drive, which help control how files can be shared within and outside an organization.
"Collaboration doesn't stop at the workplace -- our products have been optimized for broad participation, sharing and helpfulness since the beginning," said Javier Soltero, VP and GM, Google Workspace. "Our focus is on delivering consumers, workers, teachers and students alike an equitable approach to collaboration, while still providing flexibility that allows these different subsets of users to take their own approach to communication and collaboration."
