Being responsible for managing a large Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) environment requires IT administrators and tech managers to navigate through overwhelming challenges when performing manual user and permission handling. Google Apps Manager (GAM) provides IT administrators simplified management tools for their Google Workspace domains.
GAM gives administrators complete domain control over their Google Workspace through simple command interface that operates without any cost. Contact management through GAM enables admins to reset massive password sets quickly in addition to managing profile settings and user profiles and building groups.
The following section explores Google Apps Manager including its functionality and its fundamental importance for large-scale management of Google services.
What is Google Apps Manager (GAM)?
Google Apps Manager (GAM) functions as an open-source command-line tool which Jay Lee developed. The application provides administrators of Google Workspace with enhanced efficiency in environment management by automatically executing standard and non-standard administrative tasks.
Programmers can execute commands in their terminal or command prompt which permit hundreds of fewer clicks on the Google Admin console.
Add or suspend users
Create and manage groups
Modify calendar settings
Update user profiles
Manage Gmail settings
And much more!
GAM for Google Workspace operates as an all-domain remote access tool for administrators.
The Main Functionalities of Google Apps Manager stand out as the following:
A large number of administrators regularly use GAM because of the following reasons:
⚡ Bulk User Management
The requirement to reset passwords and change usernames and update signatures for hundreds of users can be handled through GAM in a short period of time. GAM executes this task within minutes rather than the usual hours.
🛠️ Group and Organizational Unit Management
You can use simple commands to create groups while adding or removing members between different organizational unit (OU) groups.
📨 Gmail and Calendar Settings
GAM enables administrators to set up automatic Gmail forwarding rules, delegate mailbox access, establish email vacation responders, and define User-Calendaring sharing approvals for their organization.
🧹 Cleanup and Audit Tools
A quick tool helps administrators find unused accounts as well as determines Google Drive file access restrictions and reveals detailed application activity reports.
📋 CSV Batch Operations
You can use CSV files to conduct large-scale updates that will suit your needs in user onboarding processes or team reorganizations and bulk administrative operations.
How Google Apps Manager Works
Unlike typical admin tools with graphical interfaces, GAM runs entirely from the command line. An easy breakdown of the system involves the following steps:
Download GAM for installation on Windows, Mac, or Linux system platforms.
You must give GAM permission to access your Google Workspace environment through its API permissions.
Executions of commands through the terminal interface either apply to individual actions or batch scripts.
A typical command might look like this:
Or for a batch file:
Simple, right? Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Why Should You Use Google Apps Manager?
Using the Google Admin console for all tasks indicates that you spend far too long navigating between its pages.
GAM stands as a revolutionary tool because of its powerful features that benefit administrators.
The system performs user tasks for hundreds or thousands of people within seconds due to its speed.
The use of automated systems eliminates human mistakes which occur when performing manual account updates.
GAM provides administrators unrestricted access to administrative settings that remain hidden from standard console users.
GAM gives users exceptional control over managing Google Workspace users and settings.
Who Should Use Google Apps Manager?
GAM is perfect for:
School administrators who oversee Google Workspace operations for business and nonprofit entities
Numerous educational facilities maintain accounts for thousands of students together with their staff members
Business branches that require a fast, secure solution for user management need GAM.
The system suits Google Admins who demonstrate technology proficiency through scripting techniques instead of performing manual actions.
GAM exists to satisfy users who value automated processes.
Is Google Apps Manager Free?
Yes! Google Apps Manager operates without charges and it remains available for open-source distribution. The program provides a free platform for users to download it for use while programmed skills enable users to customize its functionality. The sole requirement of using Google Apps Manager is your time dedication to learning its operation since its price remains absolutely free.
The extended version of GAM named GAMADV-XTD3 gives advanced users additional features.
Common Tasks You Can Automate with GAM
Examples of automated tasks in real-world scenarios include both password reset operations at the beginning of a school year and automatic creation of department-specific email groups. Additionally suspension occurs for inactive accounts exceeding 30 days along with automatic labeling of Gmail files and user control over their drive files during account departures and system report generation for 2-step verification enrollment processes.
A password reset procedure that affects every user begins each new school year
The system should establish automatic email groups based on departmental structures while adding member information to these groups.
User accounts get suspended when users fail to interact with the system past thirty days.
The deployment of Gmail labels and filters as a group service through the system
After personnel departure it is essential to control who becomes the owner of Drive files
Generating reports on 2-Step Verification enrollment
GAM possesses the ability to automate the majority of tasks users are capable of producing.
How to Get Started with Google Apps Manager
Users can obtain the current GAM version by visiting the official GAM GitHub website.
Execute the setup procedures which enable GAM to integrate with your Google Workspace domain.
The user should check GAM’s basic functionality through commands that list all users while updating a single user profile.
Many helpful example guides, templates and sample script materials are available online.
Users starting with command line tasks need not be concerned because GAM provides detailed documentation and an active community that offers support.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Google Apps Manager?
Every organization that wants to optimize its Google Workspace operations should invest in Google Apps Manager as a necessary management solution. You can save time and decrease errors while achieving full domain control through this system.
You will become bewildered about how you managed before using GAM. GAM supports administrators to work faster and smarter regardless of their user count ranging from 10 to 10,000.
The time has come to try Google Apps Manager because it will advance your Google Workspace administration capabilities.
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