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 still hesitant in heading to 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 on your hard drive. 

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 won’t disclose your information to anybody else, including persons or third parties, unless a court or law enforcement agency orders them to do so. Additionally, Google Workspace does not contain any advertising, and no data from Google Workspace services is ever collected or used for advertising purposes.

Google is committed to securing your data that they provide product capabilities and contractual commitments to facilitate customer compliance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. They adhere to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which adhere to EU law on data protection and privacy in the European Union and the European Economic Area. They are also committed to California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) compliance.

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 interrupted when we have intermittent power outages or unstable internet.

Fortunately, not. If your system happens to go offline Google Workspace allows you to continue working. Just turn on offline support 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. 

• Anyone on my team can access my files.

Incorrect. You have the ability to control what you share and with who. In Workspace, you can select the type of access you give by selecting viewer, commenter or editor for the folders or files on your Drive. You can also add an expiration date to the access, and remove access whenever you need to. 

Even the reseller who helped set up your account doesn’t have access to your files and data. They only have admin access which you can remove 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 individually from the different applications or folders whenever you need them, or you can download all your data at once. In your Google Account settings, select Data & Privacy, and then scroll down to Download or Delete your data. You can export a copy of content in your Google Account to back it up or use it with a service outside of Google.

Note, that 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 you feel the need, you are able to download your presentations, sheets, or documents in Microsoft formats as well as others. Furthermore, by using Google Workspace you can co-edit documents on any device in real-time.

• Resellers offer Google Workspace at a higher price than Google itself.

There is no price difference between Google and a reseller. So, then why use a reseller? With a reseller you get that personal touch. Someone who can answer your questions and give advice, and assist you with migration, support, or training. For the extra services they offer, a reseller determines their own fees.

• Google Workspace is free for businesses.

Google ceased offering a free version for businesses in 2012. You can now take advantage of a 14-day trial period before deciding which plan best meets the demands of your business. Although they have less capabilities, the applications are free for personal use.

Google Workspace can be used by any sized business to produce, collaborate, and be generally productive in a variety of settings. Should you wish to learn more about how you can migrate to Google Workspace, chat to our team at Radical Cloud Solutions. We are passionate about our product offerings and eager to tell you more.