Microsoft is welcoming Google G Suite users with an enticing offer. Those migrating from the “legacy” G Suite, can get a whopping 60% discount on a Microsoft 365 subscription. This offer is valid for all the iterations of the office productivity and collaboration platform. Microsoft is also offering free migration support as well as 24x7 support to small businesses.
Google announced last month that it will start asking free “legacy” G Suite accounts to pay for a subscription. These users have until May 1st, 2022 to use the service for free. The Legacy Free Edition was originally known as Google Apps, which was rebranded to G Suite, before becoming Google Workspace.
Businesses, schools, and individuals who have been relying on Google for a custom domain name for email hosting (instead of just gmail.com) will have to choose a paid plan to retain the service. Plans start at $6/user/month with Business Starter and go up to $18/user/month. Microbusinesses with just a single Gmail account can also upgrade to Workspace Individual for $9.99/month, but they will not get a custom email address.
Google stopped offering the Legacy Free Edition way back in December 2012. However, the company allowed existing users to access its services for free. This grace period is ending. Google has cautioned that it may suspend access to automatic Workspace subscription/accounts if users do not enter billing details before July 1, 2022.
Microsoft is clearly targeting such users who will now have to pay for accessing Google G Suite and associated services. The company has officially listed the offer on its website, and it is valid till August 2, 2022. Businesses, schools, and individuals can opt for Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, or Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription. The 60% discount is valid for all iterations. Moreover, all plans offer:
- The ability to meet, chat, and host calls with up to 300 people.
- Web and mobile versions of Office apps.
- 1 TB of cloud storage.
- Business-class email.
- Anytime phone and web support.
There might not be many G Suite Legacy Free Edition users. However, those who continued to use the custom email domain name could lose access to Workspace’s “core services,” like Gmail, Calendar, and Meet. Hence, Microsoft’s offer does seem to make some sense. One free year of Business Assist and one year of around-the-clock access to small business specialists for Microsoft 365 are available to U.S. customers.
5 Comments - Add comment