Google today announced the inclusion of its advanced AI capabilities in Workspace Business and Enterprise plans, making the latest generative AI tools available without the need for additional add-ons.
This move aims to help businesses enhance productivity, creativity, and innovation by utilizing AI across key Workspace tools, as outlined in the company’s announcement.
Empowering Businesses with AI
Jerry Dischler, President of Cloud Applications at Google, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in the workplace. “For over 20 years, Google Workspace has supported businesses of all sizes in achieving growth and innovation,” Dischler said.
He further explained that Google views AI not just as another tool, but as a fundamental shift in how work is done. Over the past year, more than 100,000 customers have adopted generative AI, helping them reduce time spent on mundane tasks while boosting creativity and productivity.
New AI Capabilities
With the integration of Google AI into Workspace, users can now access advanced AI features across a variety of applications:
- Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat, and More: AI assistance will help streamline communications, summarize emails, draft documents, and enhance meetings with note-taking and audio/video improvements. AI-powered tools will also assist in creating professional documents, slides, spreadsheets, and videos from scratch.
- Gemini Advanced: This next-gen AI app helps with complex tasks such as coding, research, and data analysis. Gemini Advanced allows users to build specialized AI teams to handle repeatable tasks, improving efficiency and workflow.
- NotebookLM Plus: A powerful AI research assistant designed to help employees analyze complex topics by providing instant insights, audio overviews, and shareable notebooks for team collaboration.
Security and Compliance with AI
Data security is a top priority for Google. Dischler assured businesses that Google AI is designed with robust security measures in place. Google does not use customers’ data to train AI models without permission, and customer data is neither sold nor used for advertising.
Gemini adheres to strict enterprise-grade controls, ensuring that only authorized data is accessed. Furthermore, it meets comprehensive safety, privacy, and security standards, including certifications for SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001, and HIPAA compliance.
Pricing
Google has simplified its pricing model for these new AI capabilities, eliminating the need for additional add-ons. For instance, customers who were previously paying $32 per user per month for the Gemini Business add-on will now pay just $14 per user per month—only $2 more than the previous cost of the Workspace Business Standard plan without Gemini.
Availability
The new AI features will be rolled out to Google Workspace Business customers starting today, with availability for Enterprise customers later this month.
Pricing for new customers will take effect on January 17, 2025, while existing customers will see updated pricing starting March 17, 2025, or at their next renewal date. Small business customers will not be affected by these pricing changes at this time.