Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service that enables users to store, access, and share files and folders online. The features are largely centered around utilizing the right sidebar of Drive and other Workspace apps to including utilizing its chatbot to perform tasks with access to files stored across users’ Google Accounts. Google Workspace comprises Gmail, Chat, Meet, Calendar, Drive for storage; Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Keep for notes, Sites for collaboration, Apps Script for building low-code/no-code business applications; and an Admin panel and Vault for managing users and the services. The Quick Access feature for the Android, iOS and web apps uses machine learning to predict files that users will need based on their Drive activity and workday patterns. Google Drive’s mobile apps for iOS and Android allow users to store, share and view files.
Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
On June 25, 2014, at the Google I/O developer conference, Sundar Pichai announced that Google Drive now had 190 million monthly active users, and that it was being used by 58% of the Fortune 500 companies as well as by 72 of the top universities. On November 12, 2013, Google announced that Google Drive had 120 million active users, a figure that the company was releasing for the first time. Summarized, he wrote that “According to its terms, Google does not own user-uploaded files to Google Drive, but the company can do whatever it likes with them”.
- Despite initially promoting the large free storage included in its offerings, Google has not increased the storage space provided since 2013.
- It was also announced that Google Apps had become the first suite of cloud applications to receive Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) certification and accreditation.
- Depending on edition Google Workspace may also include the digital interactive whiteboard Jamboard and an option to purchase add-ons such as the telephony service Voice.
- Bradley praised Google’s collaborative apps, writing that it was “besting what Microsoft offers in 365”.
- Ownership of Google Workspace files can be transferred to another user, provided both users have the same type of Google account.
- In September 2016, Google announced Team Drives, later renamed Shared Drives, as a new way for Google Workspace teams to collaborate on documents and store files.
The service features unlimited storage, advanced file audit reporting, and eDiscovery services, along with enhanced administration control and new APIs specifically useful to businesses. In June 2014, Google announced a number of updates to Google Drive, which included making the service more accessible to visually impaired users. A Description field is available for both files and folders that users can use to add relevant metadata. In February 2017, Google integrated Drive and the Google Search app on Android, letting users search for keywords, switch to an “In Apps” tab, and see any relevant Drive files.
App Functionality
In comparing the policies with competing services, Patel wrote that “it’s clear that they need the exact same permissions—they just use slightly more artful language to communicate them”. In particular, privacy advocates have noted that Google has one unified set of Terms of Service and Privacy Policy agreements for all its products and services. However, he also criticized the user interface for being confusing to navigate, and wrote that “Offline editing isn’t simple”. He added that “Compatibility is rarely an issue”, with importing and exporting options, and that the free storage of 15 gigabytes was “generous”. He stated that “We think the user interface needs a lot more work. It’s like a retread of Google Docs at the moment and Google surely needs to do work here”.
It also featured on-demand file access, when the file is downloaded from Google Drive only when it is accessed. In September 2017, Google announced that it would discontinue the Google Drive desktop app in March 2018 and end support in December 2017. Google Drive was introduced on April 24, 2012, with apps available for Windows, macOS, and Android, as well as a website interface. As part of select Google Workspace plans, Drive offers unlimited storage, advanced file audit reporting, enhanced administration controls, and greater collaboration tools for teams.
Google Docs
The program combined existing, individual programs from Apps, Chrome, Cloud Platform, Maps, and Search into one overall program, and “allows partners to better sell, service and innovate across the Google for Work and Education suite of products and platforms”. The program lets users receive money, coupons and other incentives by referring customers to G Suite. In October 2020, Google announced the new Business Plus pricing tier for Workspace that includes enhanced security features and controls like Vault and Advanced Endpoint Management, but not the full security options available in Enterprise editions of Workspace.
While most third-party apps are free to install, some charge fees for premium features. These were replaced by Backup and Sync for personal users and Drive File Stream for business users. Google Drive provides shared storage for betico all files created and used within the Google Workspace ecosystem.
Drive for desktop
In September 2014, Google released a blog post saying that employees would be able to install third-party apps from the Marketplace without involving administrators. The Marketplace lets administrators browse for, purchase, and deploy integrated cloud applications. The Jamboard is connected to the cloud, and enables people in different locations to work together in real-time through multiple Jamboards or connected remotely through a smartphone companion app. Google Vault, an archiving and electronic discovery service exclusively available to Google Workspace customers, was announced on March 28, 2012.
- Google Vault, an archiving and electronic discovery service exclusively available to Google Workspace customers, was announced on March 28, 2012.
- In June 2014, Google introduced Office support in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides without the need for file conversion.
- Any changes made to files in that folder will automatically sync to Google servers once an internet connection is reestablished.
- Another, Save to Google Drive, allows users to save web content directly to their Drive.
- Users can change privacy settings for individual files and folders, including enabling sharing with other users or making content public.
In August 2019, Google announced that it would be shutting down Hire in September 2020, instead choosing to focus on “other products in the Google Cloud portfolio”. The tool lets employers track job candidates’ contact information, as well as résumés, calendar invitations, and allows for business partners to share feedback on candidates. Introduced in July 2017, Hire by Google was a job applications and management tool developed by Google to be used in combination with G Suite.
The Drive mobile app integrates seamlessly with other Workspace mobile apps. Users who want to access their Google Drive from a smartphone or tablet can either use their mobile browser or download and install a dedicated mobile app for Android or iOS. Users who have an internet connection can access Google Drive’s web app through their browser without needing to install any software. However, editing requires installing separate apps for Google Docs, Sheets and Slides apps.