Google has ended a free version of its Google Apps online application suite for businesses with 10 or fewer users. The company said it was making the move “to do even more for our business customers.”
Google Apps will continue to be free for individuals — and for business customers who have been using the free version. Google Apps for Business, which is now combined into one product and offers tech support and a service-level agreement, is $50 per seat yearly.
Clay Bavor, Director of Product Management for Google Apps, wrote in blog post:
Google Apps started with the simple idea that Gmail could help businesses and schools work better together without the hassles of managing software and servers. As we grew from a handful of customers to a few hundred, we expanded to offer a premium business version of Google Apps. Fast forward to today and Google Apps is used by millions of businesses. We’ve also added versions for governments, universities and schools.
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. Similarly, consumers often have to wait to get new features while we make them business-ready.
Google has been looking to monetize its services. The company now charges for its Google Maps API for heavier users. And Google Shopper charges retailers for placement.
Join the discussion: Will small businesses pay to use Google Apps? Were your thinking of moving your business to the free version? Is $50 a year something you can live with?
Mike Barton is the editor of Wired.com's Innovation Insights. Feed him business tech news and ideas for topics to highlight for discussion at mikeatwired AT gmail DOT com.
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