Google Workspace Essentials is a free cloud solution for businesses looking to improve collaboration. With the Essentials plan, you can access the apps you are already familiar with such as Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets.
Google Workspace Essentials – What is it?
Google Workspace Essentials is a good starting point for teams wanting to try Google Workspace using their existing work email. Although the Essentials plan has significant limitations compared to regular Google Workspace plans, it offers a free way to access business features on tools like Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and Meet.
If you are currently using Microsoft 365, the Essentials plan allows you to test drive Google Workspace without converting your files. Workspace apps are compatible with Microsoft Office files, allowing you to edit, comment, and collaborate.
If you are considering Google Workspace for your business with a business email included, get in touch to discuss your options or visit our dedicated services page.
What’s included with Google Workspace Essentials?
Google Workspace Essentials gives you access to popular productivity apps such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms, plus the following features for team collaboration:
- 15 GB of Google Drive cloud storage for each user – for comparison this is the same amount of storage you get with a personal Google account.
- Video meetings with up to 3 people, no longer than 60 minutes in duration each.
- Easy agenda management with Google Calendar.
- Real-time messaging and collaboration with Google Chat.
What’s missing from the Essentials Starter plan?
The most notable omission is, of course, Gmail. This is because the plan focuses on bringing modern collaboration tools to businesses that already have a legacy email system in place. If your business needs more cloud storage, or you want to upgrade your email system to Gmail, get in touch with us and we’ll help you choose the right plan and migrate your email and data to Google Workspace.
How to sign up for Google Workspace Essentials?
The free Essentials account requires you to sign up with your work email address; for example, name@mybusiness.com. You cannot sign up with a personal email address such as gmail.com, outlook.com, etc. There’s no limited trial period so you don’t need to add your credit card.
Simply sign up with your business email and invite teammates to collaborate using Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Chat, Drive, and Meet. You can add up to 24 other users with email addresses from the same domain after signing up with your own.
What if I need more storage or functionality?
Businesses with more than three users will benefit from regular Google Workspace plans, which also include Gmail. These plans provide generous storage space for each user, access to the latest AI features, enhanced security features and apps like Vault and data loss prevention, and granular admin controls.
If you are already using Essentials and want to upgrade your plan, simply get in touch with the Refractiv team and we’ll help you migrate to a regular Google Workspace edition.
Summary
Overall, Google Workspace Essentials is a good starting point for teams wanting to try Google Workspace (without Gmail). However, for teams needing more features, storage, and control, upgrading to a paid plan is recommended. With a variety of plans available, you can choose the one that best fits your team’s needs and budget.
Still not sure if Google Workspace Essentials Starter is right for you? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you choose the right plan.
