Introduction
Google Auxiliary Email (GAE) accounts are being phased out at Virginia Tech. This article describes some common use cases for Google Auxiliary Email (GAE) accounts and potential alternatives. If you need further assistance with understanding your use case or its alternative, please request a consultation with Collaborative Computing Solutions (CCS) at CCS General Services Consultation (vt.edu).
Explanation
Here are some available alternatives to GAEs at Virginia Tech
- An Exchange Online ‘Personal Access for Collaborative Email’ account (VT PACE accounts)
- A Google groups-backed VT PACE account
- A Google Group (these will remain a part of Virginia Tech’s core Google services)
- A Microsoft 365 Group
- A collaborative resource such as a shared drive, SharePoint Online site, or Teams site
- VT Slack Workspace
How each alternative maps to a potential use case.
| Use Case for GAE | Description | Possible Alternatives |
| Collaborative Communication | Ability for people to communicate with each other | Teams |
| VT Slack Workspace | ||
| Google Groups | ||
| VT Shared Mailbox (PACE) | ||
| Distribution Lists/Departmental Emails | Ability to communicate one way with multiple people | Google Groups |
| Microsoft 365 Groups | ||
| VT Shared Mailbox (PACE) | ||
| Collaboration with Calendaring | Ability for people to communicate, plan, and manage important dates with each other | Teams |
| VT Shared Mailbox (PACE) | ||
| Collaborative File Storage | Ability for multiple people to store and access documents | SharePoint |
| Departmental Calendaring | Single place to display and manage a group's events | VT Shared Mailbox (PACE) |
| Delegated Email | Email managed by and tracking of one or more individuals sending "On behalf of" a department, program, or official VT club | VT Shared Mailbox (PACE) |
| Accounts with Automated Workflows | Google power apps, integrated scripts, or automated workflows that require being associated with an account | Power Apps |
| Google shared drives where applicable | ||
| Manage Shared Drives | Using GAEs as a resource account with manager role for shared drive(s) | Use a Google group instead to act as a security group for shared access/permissions |