Google announced back in 2023 that it will update the storage model for Google Workspace Business Starter customers. This change would go from per-user storage (30GB) to pooled storage for everyone at the Business Starter tier, making it much easier for each user to manage their content in detail.
Today, Google confirmed that organizations with Business Starter will have access to shared drives starting in mid-September. Once the change goes into effect, Business Starter users will be able to create shared drives and add members, files, and folders.
According to Google, the basic version of Shared Drives for Business Starter does not include any admin-level controls or security controls, meaning users cannot control access to the items in a shared drive.
In addition to the transition from user-specific storage to pooled storage next month, shared drives already offer Google Workspace customers some key benefits:
- Easy to find: Spend less time requesting file access and searching for relevant documents because all of your team's files are in one place.
- Files are forever: All content stays where it is – even if employees or team members leave the company. Your content stays there.
- Easy collaboration: Any member of a shared drive can browse and collaborate on the same files. You can also add users outside your team or organization.
- Accessible everywhere: Regardless of location or device, you can always access the files you need most.
If you are a Business Starter customer or plan to become one by mid-September, all users will be able to create shared drives by default when shared drives are available. However, administrators can update their settings before Business Starter users get access to the feature starting September 23, 2024. Additionally, administrators can use the console to add and remove members, change members' access levels, and restrict content from being moved externally.
Finally, administrators cannot set default settings and Business Starter users are not allowed to change the settings.