Firstly, Google Apps for Work is a software suite that brings together the essential services that help your business function effectively and efficiently.

Specifically, a Google account allows individual access to all the free apps that Google offers, but is only a sign-in system administered by Google. A Google Apps for Work account provides access to products powered by Google, but administered by you.

Two of the biggest differences between the free and paid versions are that the amount of storage is doubled for Google Apps for Work, but more importantly, the improvement in functionality provides a business-catered professionalism to the suite, and that is the pivotal difference worth taking advantage of as your business grows.

Another noticeable feature is the exclusive app that controls the Google Apps suite’s security and settings — Google Admin.  Manage Google Apps for your business, add and remove users, manage devices, and configure security and settings. As well as this is an increase in email security, by adding features such as: custom filtering and content policies, email retention policies, IP address whitelisting, user-managed blacklists, and enforced compliance footers.

All apps include: 24/7 support, priority email support, a 99.9% uptime guarantee, mobile device management.

Main differences by app:

• Gmail
  • Custom email addresses (@yourbusiness.com.au)
  • Unlimited group email addresses ([email protected])
  • 99.9% guaranteed uptime
  • Twice the storage of personal Gmail (free app contains 15GB, whereas GApps contains 30GB)
  • Absolutely zero ads
  • Sync from Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Exchange, Apple mail, and Lotus Notes
  • User-controlled mailing lists
  • Forums and collaborative inboxes

• Drive
  • Access to additional storage (twice the storage of personal Gmail)
  • Sharing controls
  • Advanced reporting

• Hangouts
  • Meetings with ease, with up to 15 people (free version offers only up to 10)
  • In-built screen sharing
  • Free version also has: Hangouts On Air, Increased flexibility (between platforms)

• Calendar
  • Overlay and compare calendars on one screen, 24/7 support.
  • Free version also has: Share calendars with others, Mobile optimized apps, Smooth migration from other calendar apps

I want in!

If the sound of this Google Apps for Work bundle really rocks your socks, then you’re in luck! Crucial’s Managed Google Apps for Work is launching soon. Simply register your interest below and we’ll let you know when this exciting product hits the market. Be quick, only available to the first 100 registrants.