Google Apps Is No Longer Free

Don't be annoyed by the name. Google Apps is a suite for small business users who wants personalized email address and other collaborative web apps. Though for small businesses Google being very kind gave away free edition of their Google Apps for utmost 10 users. Now the time being right, they have pulled away the free edition of Google Apps, and offering just one unified premium Google Apps for all kind of businesses. 

The official Google Apps blog says 

"When we launched the premium business version we kept our free, basic version as well. Both businesses and individuals signed up for this version, but time has shown that in practice, the experience isn't quite right for either group. Businesses quickly outgrow the basic version and want things like 24/7 customer support and larger inboxes."

While the reason might not be cleared under the fog, some analysts points at the flooding of Google Apps (free version) with lots of small-not-so-businesses or with small-website-owners. Although the official statement says, business often outgrows the basic version, but this doesn't solve the mystery of "Why to stop offering one."

Also, Google says, it has no impact on existing customers. And Google Apps for education will be as always, free for schools and universities. 

For a comparison Microsoft also offers a similar web suite for businesses. But unlike Google Apps it was always paid. Microsoft cheapest Office 365 tier, the small business offering, costs $6 per user per month, or about $72 a year. Google Apps, cost $50 per individual per year. 

We'll keep you updated if Google Apps (The Free Version) again surfaces for sign-up, though I don't think it will do. 

 

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