How can we create a global contact list in google workspace

[Mahmood]

How can we create a global common contact list in google workspace of customers and emails address list of our principals

[cryptochrome]

Natively, you can only do this through Google's APIs (so you would have to code something). The directory is only for members of the organization.

However, there are countless contact sharing solutions available on the Google Workspace Marketplace that allow you to do this. Some of them are free.

Search for "contact sharing" on the marketplace. 

[Aysberg]

We just recently migrated to Google Workspace as a small agency and I would have guaranteed for Google Workspace to offer a built in global address book. 🤔

I stumbled upon "shared contacts for Gmail" which seems to be the "gold standard" in this matter. Would this mean tools like these have access to our emails? What other reliable, preferably free solutions do you know or would you recommend?

[VincentD]

Countless is a relative term.  Several of the Apps offered are actually the same app from the same company just branded differently.  Others do not actually do what Mahmood is asking. This functionality seems like something that should be native to GW.

[furqant]

Hi Mahmood,

You can use the app i.e. Shared Contacts for Gmail that will help you create a common address book and share it with all the people who would need the access to those contacts. It does not only help you share but you can have your team edit contacts and it will sync for everyone who have access to those shared contacts instantly in real time. Google Workspace by default, does not offer the functionality so I am suggesting this.

What you will have to do is to sign up and create a label in which you will add all the customers and principals contacts. Once you have created the contact list/label, you can share it with all the people using their email addresses (regardless whether they are in your domain or not or even using free Gmail account). If you decide to give them access permissions, they will be able to edit any contact details in the list and it will synced instantly for everyone on every device. 

I hope this helps and answers your question. If you need more details or have further questions, please feel free to let me know and I will get back to you.

Disclaimer: I work for Shared Contacts for Gmail. 

Cheers!

Furqan

[KrunalPatel]

Hi @Mahmood,

Check out this Google Workspace official KB on how to "Add shared external contacts to the Directory"
https://support.google.com/a/answer/9281635

As per this guide, there are three options suggested by Google Workspace

Add external contacts

You can add external contacts to your Directory in 3 ways:

• Domain Shared Contacts API—For admins who are comfortable with using SDKs. Use these APIs to add, edit, and delete external contacts. Before working with APIs, you need to enable APIs access. You should also be familiar with protocol basics. Once you're comfortable with APIs, use the code libraries for reference.

• Google Workspace Marketplace apps—For admins who want a user interface that doesn't require programming. Search for “shared contacts.”

• Google Cloud Directory Sync —For admins who want to synchronize external contacts from a Microsoft Active Directory or LDAP server. Sync your shared contacts.

Option 2 in this list is the quickest and easiest, check out this list of free marketplace apps that can let you add domain-shared contacts, https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/search/contact%20sharing?pann=gam&pricing=free. Please be mindful that some of these apps allow you to try and some of them are completely free at no cost, you will need to find the right one that meets your needs.

We are a Google Workspace premium partner. If you require professional help, fill out a form at https://www.suitebriar.com/contact and we will get back to you.

Krunal

[Device_Null]

Has Google ever communicated why they wouldn't offer one the most obvious features of a collaboration suite to their Workspace customers?