Google’s visitor sharing feature already makes it safe to share Drive files with people without Google accounts. You get a secure pincode-based collaboration platform that allows non-Google users to view, comment on, or edit content. This ability is also available with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Sites, i. e. pretty much all of the company’s Workspace productivity suite. However, Google doesn’t allow non-Google users to upload files or create new content within shared drives. This somewhat limits productivity. Users outside the organization who don’t have a Google account can’t chip in with their ideas. The company is now addressing this limitation by allowing everyone to provide their own content for more effective and efficient collaboration. The new feature will be available to eligible Google Drive users by default as long as visitor sharing is enabled for their organization. While admins can turn off visitor sharing at the organization level, there’s no end-user setting for it.
Google is rolling out improved visitor sharing for Drive
While businesses typically use the same productivity tools within the organization, there are times when they need to collaborate with other companies on some files. And it’s not necessary that the other party also uses the same tools in their organization. There are other options too, most notably Microsoft 365. This update for visitor sharing in Google Drive saves users from some trouble in such situations. Google also recently added the ability to edit Microsoft Office files on Google Workspace tools in offline mode. These kinds of features make collaborations across businesses easier. According to Google, the latest Drive update is already rolling out to users on both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. The company expects to make the new feature available for everyone by the first week of September. By everyone, we mean customers with Google Workspace Essentials, Business Standard, Business Plus, Education Plus, Enterprise Standard, or Enterprise Plus accounts. Google says the new visitor sharing feature in Drive will not be available to Google Workspace Business Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, Frontline, Nonprofits, and legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers. Users with personal Google Accounts also don’t get the new feature.
