Google Workspace updates from January 27

New features and improvements for Google Workspace

View this email in your browser Update(s) in this email: Use Directory Sync beta for fast and easy sync of users and groups New Navigation bar functions in Google Drive Use Directory Sync beta for fast and easy sync of users and groups January 27, 2022, 2:25 pm What's changing  We're launching a beta for a new Directory Sync solution which can make it quicker and easier to synchronize your Active Directory user and group data with your Google Cloud directory.  Directory Sync is an alternative to Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS). You might want to consider it if you want to sync Microsoft Active Directory LDAP data with your Google cloud directory using a completely cloud-based solution, without the need to manage on-prem hardware and deployments. Please read more about its features and network requirements to learn whether it's right for you.  Who's impacted  Admins  Why you'd use it  The new Directory Sync solution is:  Cloud based: The cloud-based sync process is auto-scheduled to run on a continuous basis in a loop, so there's no need to install a sync client or on-premises software.  Easy to use: A simple and modern UI integrated with the Admin console makes it easy to use for those with no LDAP knowledge. Plus, there's no need for Google exclusion rules if you would like to sync from multiple Active Directory sources or manage a subset of users or groups within Google without synching from Active Directory.  Integrated reporting: It offers centralized reporting in the Admin console. You can filter, search, and set custom alerts.  Native multi-directory support: You can sync users and groups from more than one Active Directory source.  The initial scope for the Directory Sync beta supports user and group sync with Active Directory only, and covers a limited range of attributes. In the future, we'll add other features, including support for additional attributes, OU mapping to automatically place new user accounts in OUs, and more types of data.  Additional details  If your Active Directory server is located on-premises or hosted outside a Google Cloud environment, you'll require a connection between Google Cloud and the LDAP server using Cloud VPN or Cloud Interconnect. Learn more about system requirements for using Directory Sync and supported network connections for Directory Sync.  Getting started  Admins: To use the Directory Sync beta, go to Admin console > Home > Directory > Directory Sync. No beta sign up or registration is required. You can delegate the ability to manage Active Directory with the new Directory Sync admin user role. Use our Help Center to learn more about using the new Directory Sync, and see FAQs about Directory Sync.  End users: No end user impact  Rollout pace  Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 27, 2022 Availability  Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers and Cloud Identity customers  Resources  Google Workspace Admin Help: Directory Sync Google Workspace Admin Help: Compare Directory Sync with GCDS  Google Workspace Admin Help: Directory Sync FAQ New Navigation bar functions in Google Drive January 27, 2022, 2:04 pm Quick Summary  From the URL bar in Google Drive, you can now quickly access key pages and functions When navigating into the Google Drive web application from the URL bar by hitting the "Tab" key, you can access buttons like "Skip to main content", "Keyboard shortcuts", and "Accessibility feedback"from the bar at the top of the page.  Access from the navigation bar Getting started  Admins: There is no admin control for this feature  End users:There is no end user setting for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about keyboard shortcuts for Google Drive on the web  Rollout pace  Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 27, 2022  Availability  Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers  Resources   Google Help: Keyboard shortcuts for Google Drive on the web Previous Posts: See when a message is deleted in a Google Chat space Google Voice support for more Poly cloud-connected deskphones Use the Cloud Search Stats API to keep track of billable usage Create or import text watermarks in Google Docs Originality reports are now available for Google Slides files Note: We've recently changed how we send these emails. Please let us know if you have any feedback on this change here.  Google Workspace Updates Blog Google Workspace Release Calendar @GoogleWorkspace @GoogleWorkspace Google Cloud Community © 2022 Google LLC 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043 You're receiving this email as you're subscribed to updates from the Google Workspace Updates blog. To change how you receive these emails, update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.