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The ability to manage multiple G Suite™ tenants is critical for many IT service providers, such as MSPs. When it comes to actually juggling more than one instance of G Suite, however, MSPs only have a couple of options. Below, we’ll discuss Google’s multi-tenant solution, as well as a more unified approach.
G Suite Multi-Tenancy
Google® offers its own admin console that’s capable of managing multiple G Suite organizations from one pane of glass, but it may not be the best option for all MSPs. For starters, multi-tenant G Suite is only available to certified Google resellers. Although this is a common practice for many MSP/vendor partnerships, Google’s reseller program comes with several stringent requirements.
Among these is a 100 provisioned-seat minimum, sort of like a buy-in for a poker tournament. For growing MSPs with many smaller clients, this requirement may be impossible to achieve. Beyond that, Google requires its partners to pass a series of technical tests, credit checks, and other hurdles.
Once an MSP makes its way through the Google partner process, the team can finally start using their Google Admin Console to manage multiple G Suite tenants. Here are several features available from a partnership with Google.
Features
- Create, manage, and administer client accounts
- Manage ordering of multiple SKUs, order and invoice history, and billing
- Direct client support
These can be invaluable to some MSPs, but others may already have similar capabilities in their existing tool stack. Let’s address a few of the other things that may occupy that stack.
What’s Not Included: The Rest of the MSP IT Stack
MSPs need a handful of tools to provide the best possible IT experience for their clients.
System Management
For example, system management is a crucial component of any MSP’s offering. Although Google Cloud™ Identity features a premium endpoint management option that is similar to a mobile device management (MDM) tool, it’s ultimately limited to select mobile devices and Windows 10 computers.
In general, MSPs stick to dedicated directory services or MDM solutions to fill this role. Sometimes, RMM (remote monitoring and management) tools can provide similar capabilities as well.
Network Management
MSPs are also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of client networks. There’s currently no solution in Google’s offering that can be used for this, which forces MSPs to resort to on-prem options like FreeRADIUS.
These are only a couple of the facets MSPs need to control for their clients. Ultimately, all these disparate solutions, from Google or elsewhere, create disparate identities, which the MSP then has to manage individually. This practice is a pain for MSPs with multiple clients because of time loss due to bouncing in between each solution, as well as the overhead required to train technicians to be proficient.
Unified Identity and Access Management for MSPs
A unified identity makes life easier for MSPs and clients. That means one location to manage all client identities and access control, including systems, networks, infrastructure, applications, and, of course, G Suite.
JumpCloud® Directory-as-a-Service® provides MSPs with a cloud directory service that can manage multiple G Suite tenants, as well as client systems, networks, applications, and more from a single cloud console. JumpCloud features a directory-level integration with G Suite, syncing existing G Suite users with JumpCloud and vice versa.
Specifically for MSPs, JumpCloud offers the Multi-Tenant Portal (MTP). The MTP is a single pane of administrative glass where an MSP can manage virtually all their clients’ identities and resource access needs, switching between clients without leaving the browser tab.
JumpCloud’s Partner Program
The JumpCloud Partner Program provides MSPs, other IT service providers, and resellers with competitive margins, optimized support, and co-marketing materials. Our application process is straightforward and inclusive for MSPs of all sizes and verticals. If you’d like to join, apply to the Partner Program today.
