Google and NextPlane Partner to Enhance Cross-Platform Collaboration for Google Workspace Customers

Mountain View, CA – 4/9/2025 – Google and NextPlane announced a strategic partnership to enable seamless interoperability between Google Chat and leading enterprise messaging platforms while offering enhanced data sovereignty, security, and cost efficiency. This collaboration empowers Google Workspace customers to communicate effortlessly with colleagues and partners using Microsoft Teams, Slack, Webex, and other messaging solutions without leaving their preferred chat environment.

As hybrid work continues to shape the modern workplace, organizations rely on a mix of collaboration tools to stay connected. However, the fragmentation of messaging platforms creates inefficiencies and communication silos. This partnership allows Google Workspace users to leverage NextPlane OpenHub’s advanced federation capabilities and unique interoperability solutions to streamline cross-platform messaging while ensuring compliance with enterprise security standards and data sovereignty requirements.

Key Benefits of the Google-NextPlane Partnership Powered by OpenHub:

• Seamless Interoperability – Google Chat users can connect with external teams on Microsoft Teams, Slack, Webex, and other platforms without switching applications, maintaining a native user experience.

• Optimized Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – NextPlane OpenHub is designed for cost efficiency, allowing enterprises to pay only for users who require interoperability. It eliminates costly double licensing and optimizes resource allocation, reducing overall collaboration expenses.

• Enterprise-Grade Security & Compliance – NextPlane OpenHub ensures data sovereignty and compliance with stringent global standards. It does not store messages or files, utilizes selective application-level permissions, and implements proxy-based file sharing for enhanced security and faster CISO approvals.

• Zero IT Overhead and Simplified Deployment—NextPlane OpenHub runs on GCP and can be managed directly within Google Workspace and Microsoft admin consoles, requiring no additional vendor onboarding. Built-in observability and incident management eliminate the need for extra monitoring tools.

• Future-Proof Collaboration & Business Continuity – NextPlane OpenHub supports long-term coexistence between Google Chat and Microsoft Teams, enabling seamless communication without forced migrations. It ensures real-time synchronization for business continuity, allowing users to switch platforms without IT intervention.

• Global Scalability & Regional Hosting—NextPlane OpenHub offers private instances for the Public Sector, regulated industries, and large enterprises with special security and data overnight needs.

“This expanded interoperability creates new opportunities to collaborate effectively across Chat and other platforms,” said Vamsee Jasti, Director of Google Chat. “By partnering with NextPlane and leveraging OpenHub, we give Google Workspace customers the flexibility to connect and collaborate across different messaging platforms while maintaining enhanced security, compliance, and cost efficiency.”

“The simplicity and speed of NextPlane in enabling fluid chat interoperability between Google Chat and Microsoft Teams have been astounding. Having no additional admin consoles makes it easy for both admins and end-users,” said Kasper Pöyry, Strategic Customers & New Ventures, Partner at Gapps

“Our mission at NextPlane has always been to unify workplace communication while prioritizing data sovereignty and security,” said Farzin Shahidi, Founder and CEO at NextPlane. “With OpenHub, we are expanding our interoperability capabilities, allowing organizations to maximize their existing investments in collaboration tools, ensure seamless connectivity, and maintain control over their sensitive information—all while reducing costs.”

NextPlane’s OpenHub-powered solution is available to Google Workspace customers starting today and can be procured directly through Google Cloud Marketplace for seamless deployment and management. Organizations can learn more about enabling cross-platform collaboration by visiting Google Workspace or NextPlane.