Gmail is used by individuals and, as a component of the Google Apps email and collaboration suite, by organizations. Gmail is free as a standalone service and as part of the Standard and Education editions of Google Apps. The Google Apps for Business edition costs US$50 per user, per year, or $5 per user, per month for organizations that would rather renew their contracts monthly. More than 4 million businesses use Google Apps.

Reliability of cloud-based software is an ongoing concern for organizations, especially when a critical workplace tool like email is affected. Still, Google and other cloud software providers continue to steadily improve the performance and uptime of their products.

The IDG News Service