Why is connecting a Gmail inbox invite-only?

Signing in to BLAM8 is open to everyone — Google or Microsoft, no invite needed. Sign-in only asks Google who you are (basic profile scopes), which Google doesn't limit. The limit applies one step later: reading and sending mail in a Gmail inbox uses Google's restricted scopes, which Google fully verifies only after a paid, independent security assessment. BLAM8 is self-funded and is completing that assessment once its first founding customers are aboard rather than before — we'd rather be honest about the order of operations than pretend otherwise. Until it completes, Google allows only 100 people to grant BLAM8 Gmail access, behind an "unverified app" notice — so connecting a Gmail inbox is invite-only, and the limited places are saved for founding users. The connect step shows exactly how many places remain, and has a "Request access" form if you don't have a code; Microsoft 365 / Outlook inboxes connect instantly with no cap.

None of this changes what BLAM8 can access. Consent still happens on Google's own screen, scoped to the mailbox and calendar you choose, revocable from your Google account at any time — and draft-only by default applies exactly as everywhere else. When you connect a Gmail mailbox you may see "Google hasn't verified this app": continuing via the Advanced link is Google's standard route for apps at this stage. If you'd rather not, Microsoft 365 / Outlook works identically, with no notice and no cap.