March 29, 2023
Admins can install Chat apps for use in direct messages
What’s changing
Google Chat apps integrate with productivity tools, enable you to collaborate with others, and can also help automate your work. Previously, to start using an app in Chat, users had to individually install apps as described here.
Starting this week, admins can install Chat apps for direct messages on behalf of users within their domain from the Workspace Marketplace. Users will automatically see when an app has been enabled, eliminating the need to manually install the app themselves.
Admins can deploy Chat apps as they see fit: to an entire domain, OU, or group of users using the Workspace Marketplace apps management controls.
Who’s impacted
Admins
Why you’d use it
This feature enables admins to provide their users with instant access to the Chat integrations they need for their workflow within an organization.
Getting started
- Admins:
- Visit the Help Center to learn more about installing Marketplace apps in your domain and allowing users to install Chat apps.
- When a Chat app is installed for an end-user, they will be automatically notified.
- End users cannot uninstall the apps installed by admins, but they can turn notifications OFF.
- See the list of Chat apps available from Google and consider performing an admin install from the Marketplace (using your administrator account).
- End users:
- End users will continue to be able to install chat apps from Chat. Installation from the Workspace Marketplace isn't available for end users at this time.
- When a Chat app is installed by your admin, you will be automatically notified.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 29, 2023
Availability
- Available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, Education Standard, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Frontline, and legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers
- Not available to Nonprofits
- Not available to users with personal Google Accounts