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Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

googleenterprise.blogspot.com

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Re: Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

#21

Post by joahua »

therealarmen wrote: post #5

Please note this change has no impact on our existing customers, including those using the free version. I give it six months before they start strong-arming free users into paid accounts.

It's been nearly six years of free. That's pretty gradual strong-arming.

Note that per user limits continue to apply, so people have as much incentive as they ever did to upgrade, plus for any new domains/projects people will naturally either migrate to other options (then consolidate services around these, moving themselves off Google) or start paying.

Not convinced there's any need for hostility on either side.

Re: Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

#22

Post by spankalee »

As a Googler and for much longer, a Google Apps user for my family, this is sad news.

I wish they had just fixed the experience for "vanity domains" so that they didn't require all the enterprise features, and didn't let administrators have complete control of users accounts. Then they could roll out new features to vanity users without needing the enterprise controls.

I understand that this is a little tricky, and involves no paying customers, but Google Apps was by far the best experience for custom domains. I'm sure it attracted the type of influencers that pull even more users. I used it for my family, bands, friends with very small businesses and more, and the other people on those domains not already using Gmail, in turn migrated their personal accounts to Gmail.

Re: Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

#23

Post by dbuxton »

dotBen wrote: post #8

Contrarian view... by offering One could argue that the removal of the free tier at this point is simply because they've created an entrenched position, but one could also suggest that this creates a modicum of opportunity for another player to try to enter this space. Certainly until today the $ size of the addressable market in the small business email space was practically $0 given Google's position. [discuss :)]

Still, $50/user/year doesn't give you that much room for manoeuvre as a startup...

Re: Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

#24

Post by zmmmmm »

I really hate it when companies try to sugar coat a decision that is all downside for their customers. It may be really hard to do, but Google should just come out and say it: there is no upside for this to anyone except Google. It is not about giving you a better experience or making things more straightforward. It is all about Google deciding to maximize their profits at the expense of their users. That's fine, it's what businesses (ultimately) do (even the ones that pretend they put their users first). Google should just say it - they no longer want to support a free version of their product because they can make more money another way.

When I see ridiculous sugar coating it breeds distrust and disbelief - congratulations Google, I now believe every single future thing you say a little less, well done.

Re: Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

#27

Post by chrisblackwell »

dotBen wrote: post #8

Contrarian view... by offering One could argue that the removal of the free tier at this point is simply because they've created an entrenched position, but one could also suggest that this creates a modicum of opportunity for another player to try to enter this space. Certainly until today the $ size of the addressable market in the small business email space was practically $0 given Google's position. [discuss :)]

Fastmail.fm has been around quite a while, and while I still would consider them a success, I don't think they have done much in the form of innovation. Most of the innovation I have seen in email for the year, has been in the form of the client, not the server.

Re: Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

#28

Post by aidos »

chrisblackwell wrote: post #3

This is really a logical step. If you are an individual and don't really see the value in $50 a year, you can forward your own domain to your regular Gmail account and set the reply to email address to whatever you want. If you run a business and need the Google Apps platform, then $50 a year really shouldn't be a barrier for you. If it is, time to rethink your business priorities.

$50 / user / year - still not insane but I know it's put people off in the past.

Re: Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

#29

Post by Steveism »

lwat wrote: post #10
Steveism wrote: post #6

This is unfortunate indeed. The free Google Apps offering was a substantial value. What viable alternatives are there?

You could pay for it?

Well, obviously yes I could and so could my clients. But Free is the best kind of price, especially for startups. I have no problem paying for good software and services. I also have no problem seeking out the next option that compares in value. At this point Google Apps is a paid email option that must compete with all the other countless premium email options.

Re: Google Apps stops accepting free sign-ups

#30

Post by sharkweek »

therealarmen wrote: post #5

Please note this change has no impact on our existing customers, including those using the free version. I give it six months before they start strong-arming free users into paid accounts.

Doubtful, plenty of people would jump on the chance to create a competitor, especially since they could market it as a cheaper (or free) alternative.
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