Google is making a major change to your business storage - but don't panic

Google Workspace
(Image credit: Google)

If you feel your small business or start-up isn't getting enough from its cloud storage, then a new approach from Google Workspace could be the answer you're looking for.

The company has announced it will be switching to a pooled storage model for users on its entry-level Google Workspace Business Starter plan.

Designed to help those start-ups and smaller firms that are looking to grow fast, Google Workspace Business Starter had previously offered 30GB of storage per user, but it will now see a significant increase due to the new change.

Google Workspace pooled storage

Instead, Google Workspace is now moving to a pooled storage approach, meaning capacity is shared across a whole organization.

Asides from removing the need to manage usage on a per-user basis, solving a significant resource drain for admins, the company also says it offers a more simple and flexible method overall.

Business Starter members will also soon gain access to shared drives, allowing them to create shared drives and add members, files, and folders. Google Workspace says the move should help reduce the friction around file sharing and online collaboration, as well as making it easier to discover files, and access them wherever you need to, "regardless of location or device".

"Part of empowering our customers to do their best work means reducing the friction around file sharing and collaboration," noted the company in a Google Workspace blog post announcing the change.

New customers signing up for a Business Starter subscription will be the first to receive the new pooled storage approach, with existing Business Starter customers set to move over during the next few months.

Currently, Google Workspace Business Starter subscription plans start at $6 per user per month, with users also able to select a more advanced Standard or Plus offer at $12 or $18 per user per month.

Anyone looking for something simpler can try out the company's most basic plan, with Google Workspace Essentials providing access to the likes of Meet, Chat, DriveDocsSheetsSlides for free - you don't even need a Gmail account to sign up.

Mike Moore
Deputy Editor, TechRadar Pro

Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK's leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he's not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.

Read more
Gemini AI for all Workspace plans
Google Workspace opens up Gemini for all - but you'll have to pay more
A cloud storage vector illustration featuring an image of a cloud with connecting server links
Best business cloud storage of 2025
Verizon logo on a building with blue sky above
Millions of Americans are missing out on cheap unlimited cloud storage - how to check if you are one of them
A cloud icon on a desk in front of a laptop.
Best cloud document storage of 2025
Image of someone clicking a cloud icon.
Many businesses are overspending on their cloud storage budget
Data center racks with cables and servers
The multidimensional strategy enterprises need for AI and cloud workloads
Latest in Storage & Backup
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD in gray on magenta pink background with price cut text on it
This spacious 2TB Samsung Portable SSD drops to its lowest price in over a year
SanDisk portable SSD on a blue background
Get a 2TB portable SSD for less than $0.07 per GB in this limited-time deal at Amazon
An Orico O7000 SSD on a table with its retail packaging
Orico O7000 SSD review: high-end PCIe 4.0 storage without the frills
A PC Gamer looking happy sat in front of their desktop monitor
Looking at buying an SSD? Hold fire for now – prices are predicted to drop (and on top of that, Black Friday is on the horizon)
External hard drive
How to fix an external hard drive that's not showing up
Staples Task Chair in a home office
This budget office chair gets a massive discount, dropping below $50
Latest in News
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #385)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #651)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main display opened
Apple is rumored to be prioritizing battery life on the foldable iPhone – which could also feature a liquid metal hinge for added durability
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 10 just showed up in Android code – and may come with a useful speed boost
L-mount alliance
Sirui joins L-Mount Alliance to deliver its superb budget lenses for Leica, DJI, Sigma and Panasonic cameras