Google recently made four (4) major changes to the G Suite productivity suite (branding, integration, support and subscription plans).
Branding:
The most obvious change is with the name itself (changed from G Suite to Google Workspace). Many of the app logos, including the iconic Gmail, were changed as well.
Integration:
Google also more deeply integrated the native apps within Google Workspace with one another to improve collaboration and help workers stay better connected. Some of these integrations include the ability to dynamically create and collaborate on a document with guests in a chat room, preview a linked file without having to open it in a new tab in a Google Doc and show contact details when you @mention someone in a Google Doc.
Support:
Google broke its support into three (3) separate packages:
Standard Support:
Enhanced Support
Premium Support
Subscription Plans
One of the most significant changes Google made was to the subscription plans. Both G Suite Basic and Business were eliminated while three (3) Workspace subscriptions were added: (Business Starter, Business Standard and Business Plus). The Enterprise did not change. Key Features of each plan include:
Business Starter (replaced G Suite Basic)
Business Standard
Business Plus
Enterprise
Google has indicated that customers on the old plans will not be affected or required to change plans unless or until they choose to do so.
The recent changes to Google Workspace certainly increase the value of the platform. However, businesses choosing to leverage Google Workspace need to look closely at the subscription plans to determine which one makes the most sense for their particular situation.
In addition, the new support options are going to make it more imperative that businesses work with a Google Cloud Partner who really understands Google Workspace, the Chrome OS and the Google Ecosystem to ensure they are properly secured, avoid unanticipated pitfalls and are able to get the most out of their Google Workspace investment.