What is Google Workspace Frontline? Get to know Google’s Workspace Plan For Mobile Employees

Features of Google Workspace Frontline

Google Workspace Challenges So Far

Up until now, Google Workspace has only had plans designed for office workers, such as Google Workspace Business and Enterprise. There were no specific plans for frontline employees who spend less time at desks, until Now.

For employees whose main working locations are in the field, trying to implement Google Workspace meant using the Business (or Enterprise) plan. This resulted in the inclusion of features that were more necessary, making the subscription cost higher than needed.

To overcome this issue, you guessed it, is the newly released Google Workspace Frontline Starter and Standard Plans. With it, you can now achieve smooth communication between desk workers and field employees at a lower cost.

▼Check out ideal Google Workspace plans for office workers

• Business Starter, Standard, Plus（Up to 300 Users）
• Enterprise Standard, Plus（Unlimited Users）

Overview of Google Workspace Frontline

♦ Why Google Workspace Frontline

Google Workspace Frontline strongly prioritizes the security of employees’ devices therefore to keep company information safe, secure communication will be enabled. Additionally, for the lowest price among all Google Workspace plans, Frontline comes with key communication and collaboration applications such as Gmail, Chat, Meet, Documents, and Drive. Furthermore, Google Workspace Frontline incorporates IT security measures to safeguard corporate data, such as advanced endpoint management. Security and management measures will vary between “Frontline Starter” and “Frontline Standard”

♦ Expected User Behaviour

• Large amount of field or out-of-office work
• Regular traveller for work
• Primary devices are mobile
• Regular device sharing among colleagues

♦ Suitable Occupations for Google Workspace Frontline

• Manufacturing Industry
• Restaurant, Hotel, and Retail Industry
• Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry Industry
• Construction Industry
• Farming Industry
• Customer Service Center
• Transportation Operators

♦ Business or Enterprise is Necessary to Enable Frontline

Until the release of Google Workspace Frontline, it was not possible to select multiple plans within a single domain (e.g., coexisting Business Standard and Business Plus plans). However, now with the introduction of Frontline, your domain can support the coexistence of Frontline and other Google Workspace plans such as Business or Enterprise.

Comparison Chart Between Frontline and Business Starter

*Purchasing an annual contract with TS Cloud requires a minimum of 5 or more accounts

Tools in Google Workspace Frontline

Due to its focus on frontline employees, the tools available in Frontline are almost identical to Business Started. However, there are some functional limitations. Be sure to check out the differences and limitations before applying.

▼Primary tools available in Frontline

• Gmail: Send and receive emails using a domain address e.g., @[company anime].com
• Meet: Join video conferences from anywhere and on any device
• Google Calendar: Easily schedule meetings and events with colleagues by sharing your calendar and viewing theirs
• Docs, Sheets, and Slides: View and edit various files on any device
• Google Drive: Gain access to 5GB of cloud storage per user
• Chat: Engage in real-time group or private communication

Let’s take a closer look at each tool’s features and availability

① Gmail

② Google Meet

Easily conduct or take part in video conferences from any device
For more information on Google Meet：What is Google Meet for Workspace and how is it difference from the free version

③Google Calendar

Utilise Google Workspace to efficiently plan meetings and events around team schedules with shared calendar

④ Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Google Workspace Frontline is able to create files in My Drive, however cannot in shared files. Files in Shared Drives can be viewed by default and editing can be accessed if permission is granted. The Shared Drive file naturally cannot be owned a Frontline account.

⑤Shared Drive

In the organization’s shared drive, it is not possible to set access levels higher than “Viewer” or “Commenter,” preventing the creation and upload of new files or folders. However, individual editing permissions can be granted for files and folders. It’s important to note that creating and uploading files or folders in My Drive is unrestricted.
Learn more about Shared Drive：Google Shared Drive: Introduction, Benefits, and Limitations

⑥ Google Chat

Identical to Google Workspace Business and Enterprise, Google Chat is available for group or individual communication with no restrictions or limitations.

⑦ Google Assistant

Shown in the video below, easily perform various operations using just your voice. Ask Google Assistant for the upcoming events in your calendar or send a message.

⑧ Advanced Endpoint Management

Designed for scenarios with frequent use outside the office, “Frontline” allows for a higher level of security compared to “Business Starter.” Enhanced security features include mandatory stronger passwords, remote device wipe capabilities, iOS app management, and the use of work profiles on Android.

⑨Drive Audit Log

View user activities in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Sites.

⑩ Data Protection Analysis Report

Access and view organizational reports in Drive files that contain sensitive data

Frontline Starter vs. Frontline Standard

Frontline has two editions: Frontline Starter and Frontline Standard. The difference between the two plans is in their security and management features. We have summarized these distinctions in the table blow for your reference. If you are seeking a higher level of security, Frontline Standard is highly recommended.

Google Workspace Frontline Pricing

The use of Google Workspace Frontline accounts must be used together with Business or Enterprise editions therefore naturally, parent organization accounts must be one of the two. If you are interested in how this combination can bring more value to your implementation of Google Workspace, contact us. As certified Google cloud premier partner, here at TS Cloud, we will be able to provide you with an optimised balance for your Google Workspace plan.

For pricing details, please contact us.

Implementing Google Workspace Frontline

Upgrades are available from Frontline Starter to Frontline Standard, Business, and Enterprise.

We understand that integrating a new plan into your existing one can be confusing, and you may default to choosing Frontline Starter. Do not worry, we are here to tell you that you can upgrade later, so apply with confidence.

Increase Your Account’s Features with Add-Ons

Here are two options that can be combined into your Frontline Starter account. These options are recommended to those of you who wish to improve your security and litigation measures.
For more information on Google Vault: Introduction to Google Vault: Benefits, Features and Pricing

Applying as an Office Based Employee

Please be aware that if Google determines that an ineligible employee (office employee) has obtained a Google Workspace Frontline account, access to Frontline features may be removed and restricted. If you would like to reconfirm your eligibility for Frontline, do not hesitate to contact us for a free inquiry and consultation.

Google Workspace Frontline Support and Inquiries

Up until this year, Google Workspace has not provided the best plan for on-site employees. But with the release of Frontline, smooth communication between desk workers and on-site employees is now achievable.

If you would like more information about the features of Google Workspace Frontline, or any other Google Workspace plan, please contact our specialized staff for Google Workspace at TS Cloud.