Official: Google "Discontinues" Free G Suite Legacy – What Do Users Need to Do to Continue Using It?
Search giant Google has dealt a disappointing blow to G Suite Legacy account users – G Suite will no longer be provided for free. Organizations using G Suite Legacy need to take action to continue using Google's services while ensuring data security.
Some new features of Google Workspace you should know about:
1. What is free G Suite Legacy?
Before December 6, 2012, Google provided a free version of G Suite, also called Google Apps for Free. This service was designed specifically for businesses. However, after December 6, 2012, Google stopped providing free versions to new customers. Existing G Suite Free customers remained able to use it until now. Additionally, G Suite for business is no longer available. It has been renamed to Google Workspace since 2020 and comes with additional features.2. When will G Suite Legacy no longer be available?
Google made the following announcement:"We are writing this email to notify you that your free G Suite Legacy version will no longer be available from July 1, 2022. To maintain your services and accounts, you need to upgrade to Google Workspace." Specifically, G Suite Legacy will be officially discontinued from May 1, 2022. From this point on, Google will migrate you to Google Workspace and you can use it for free until July 1, 2022. The two-month free usage period can be seen as Google's "consolation" measure, as paying for a long-familiar free application will not be a "pleasant" experience.3. What do G Suite Legacy users need to do after discontinuation?
If you are using it as a business, you have three options: one is to stop using the old G Suite, two is to upgrade to Google Workspace plans, and three is to switch to other services such asMicrosoft 365 or Zoho Workplace. If you choose to upgrade, we recommend upgrading to Google Workspace right now. Don't wait until the last minute. Upgrading does not affect your data or service availability. Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to own a suite of today's leading business applications. Google Workspace helps your business accomplish more and work more efficiently.4. What do you get when upgrading to Google Workspace?
Google Workspace includes all the core services available in your G Suite Legacy version such as Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and Hangout Chat.
Some new features of Google Workspace you should know about:
- Number of users:Google Workspace Business editions allow a maximum of 300 users. For more than 300 users, you need to use Google Workspace Enterprise. Contact us for more specific advice.
- Current features:Google Workspace plans will include the features currently available in G Suite Legacy.
- New features: Google Workspace plans offer features ranging from basic to premium, depending on your business needs.
- Payment: If you upgrade to Google Workspace yourself, you will receive an invoice on August 1, 2022 for your service in July. If you upgrade through a partner like Best Care, the cost will be calculated based on the service activation date.
