Google is thriving. The term ‘google’ has even been widely adopted as a transitive verb, meaning to search for something online. If you have a question that needs answering, you Google it. If you need to send out an email, you possibly join the 1.5 billion active users and use Gmail. So, when it comes down to writing a document, compiling a list of figures, creating a presentation, or scheduling an online meeting, why are some people hesitant to use Google Workspace?
Google Workspace is a productivity and collaboration suite that runs on the cloud. There are a host of applications available such as a Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Docs, Sheets, and Slides with advanced options available for a monthly fee.
Let’s take a look at some of the common myths about Workspace.
- Privacy – Working online with all your applications and documents stored on the cloud is less secure than working locally.
This is not true. Since Google operates in the cloud, it is aware of all the potential security risks associated with moving your company to the cloud. As a result, Google Workspace was created to adhere to strict privacy and security standards based on best practices in the industry. They will not disclose your information to anyone else, including individuals or third parties, unless ordered to do so by a court or law enforcement agency. Furthermore, there is no advertising in Google Workspace, and no data from Google Workspace services is ever collected or used for advertising purposes.
Google is so committed to data security that they provide product capabilities and contractual commitments to help customers comply with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. They follow the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which are in accordance with EU law regarding data protection and privacy in the European Union and the European Economic Area. They are also committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
You are also protected from phishing messages, scams, and spam emails in Gmail, Google’s internet-based email service. Google’s machine learning models block more than 99.9 percent of spam, phishing and malware from reaching Gmail users.
- If everything is online, work will be disrupted when there are intermittent power outages or unstable internet connections.
Fortunately, not. If your system happens to go offline Google Workspace allows you to continue working. Just turn on offline support in the settings in Google Chrome and you can view and edit documents and emails as usual. Any changes you make will be saved when your internet returns.
- My files are accessible to anyone on my team.
Incorrect. You have the ability to control what you share and with who. You can choose the type of access you want to grant by selecting viewer, commenter, or editor in the share settings, and even set an expiration date, and remove access whenever you want.
Even the reseller who assisted you in setting up your account does not have access to your files or data. They only have administrative access, which you can revoke at any time.
- We will never retrieve data from Google Workspace again.
You are able to export your data from Google at any time. You can download documents from different applications or folders as needed, or you can download all of your data at once. Select Data & Privacy in your Google Account settings, then scroll down to Download or Delete your data. You can export a copy of your Google Account’s content to back it up or use it with a service other than Google.
If you choose to delete your account, Google will delete all of your data and content in that account, like emails, files, calendars, and photos.
- Our work won’t be compatible with anyone using Microsoft Office
Workspace works on all computer platforms that have access to a web browser, including Mac, PC, ChromeOS, and even Linux.
There are no compatibility issues between the two formats. You can view and edit MS Office files in Workspace without installing Office. If necessary, you can download your presentations, sheets, or documents in Microsoft and other formats. Furthermore, with Google Workspace, you can co-edit documents in real time on any device, even if you don’t have a Google account.
- Resellers offer Google Workspace at a higher price than Google itself.
There is no difference in price between Google and a reseller. So, why would you use a reseller? A reseller provides that personal touch. Someone who can help you with migration, support, or training, as well as answer your questions. A reseller sets their own fees for the additional services that they provide.
- Google Workspace is free for businesses.
In 2012, Google stopped offering a free version for businesses. You can now take advantage of a 14-day free trial period before deciding which plan best meets your company’s needs. Despite their limited capabilities, the applications are free for personal use.
Google Workspace can be used by any business, from a single freelancer to a larger organisation, to produce, collaborate, and be generally productive in a variety of settings. Contact GPS Online if you would like to get started on Google Workspace or if you would like to find out more.
