Proton is launching its own ‘private alternative’ to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
The launch of Proton Workspace comes amid rising tensions over data sovereignty and privacy
Proton is dipping its toes in the business productivity space with the launch of Proton Workspace, a “private alternative” to services such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
The new productivity suite has all the expected features, like integrated mail and calendar services, cloud-based storage, a word processor, and spreadsheet program.
It also offers integrated VPN access, password management features, and Lumo, the firm’s integrated AI assistant.
In addition to Proton Workspace, the company also unveiled Proton Meet, an encrypted video conferencing solution that the company said “fills a key gap” in its productivity ecosystem.
While it’s similar to other video conferencing tools on the market, Proton claimed it has “two key differences”. The first is that video calls and chats are end-to-end encrypted by default using Messaging Layer Security (MSL), an open source E2EE communication protocol.
Proton said this means the “confidentiality of conversations can be assured” even if its own infrastructure is compromised.
“This gives Proton Meet a level of security unmatched by any other video conferencing service today,” the firm said in a blog post.
“Proton Meet can be used anonymously and keeps no logs, and a Proton account is not even necessary to host or join meetings, making it an ideal tool for dissidents and activists seeking the highest level of privacy.”
Proton Meet can be used via the web, or through iOS and Android apps. Desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux are also available.
Proton Workspace: Tiers and pricing
Proton Workspace comes in two tiered plans: Workspace Standard and Workspace Premium. The former includes:
- Proton Mail
- Calendar
- Drive
- Docs and Sheets
- Meet
- VPN
- Pass
This is the basic tier offered by the company, and will set users back €12.99 (£11.34) per user when purchased annually. Monthly prices are set at €14.99 (£13.08).
Workspace Premium, meanwhile, includes expanded storage, email data retention policies, and a higher number of Meet participants per call. Users on this plan also gain access to the Lumo AI assistant.
This will set users back €19.99 (£17.45) per user when purchased annually, or €24.99 (£21.81) on a monthly basis.
Can Proton Workspace cut in on Google and Microsoft?
Proton has a steep hill to climb if it wants Proton Workspace to truly stand as a competitor to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
According to Google, its productivity suite has 11 million business customers, whereas Proton has around 100,000.
The company is positioning the productivity suite as a viable alternative to US-based big tech offerings, however, and that comes amid a period of rising tensions over data sovereignty and privacy.
Founder and CEO Andy Yen noted that customers are becoming increasingly “wary of big tech’s data practices” and have been pushing for a “secure, bundled alternative” to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
"Companies are increasingly worried that their confidential business data is becoming business intelligence for Big Tech and turning to safer alternatives,” he said in a statement.
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