Comparing Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace

What are the differences between the two business suites?

In the world of computing, there are two heavyweights that often go head-to-head: Microsoft and Google. Both offer a suite of products and services, including email, calendaring, document creation and storage, and much more. So, which is the better option? Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace? They would both like to be your one-stop shop and offer many great features.

Let's take a closer look and break down what you can expect from each.

In terms of features, both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer a lot of the same things. Both allow users to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations; both have built-in email and calendaring features; both offer relatively inexpensive plans for businesses of all sizes.

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer many great features at relatively reasonable prices. However, there are some key differences between the two services that may make one more attractive than the other depending on your needs.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 offers a few features that Google Workspace doesn't have, such as access to the full Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). If you're already familiar with Microsoft Office or if you need to use specific features that are only available in those applications (such as Outlook or Mail Merge in Word), then Microsoft 365 may be the better choice for you. However, you can subscribe to Microsoft’s Office 365 Applications only and pair that with Google Workspace.

Microsoft's approach builds on its blockbuster Office franchise (the name change from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 was effective earlier this year). There are accompanying desktop apps, which are now available in Click-to-Run packages that update automatically. The back-end services, including Exchange Online, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams, offer an easy migration path for organizations ready to move their on-premises servers to the cloud. Employees can access those services using familiar desktop apps like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or they can use web-based alternatives.

Some disadvantages of Microsoft 365 include cyber security concerns and the fact it does not support every operating system. As technology progresses, so do cyber-attacks. Using the most popular operating system, Windows, does draw more attention from those cyber bad guys and may raise such cyber security concerns. Compatibility can also be an issue. Microsoft requires the newest and most up-to-date software, requiring the user to often upgrade to the newest version of Microsoft Windows. But if working remotely, users can opt for the Office Online option without having to upgrade but the distinctive and upgraded features will not be available.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Google Workspace?

Google Workspace has a few features that Microsoft 365 lacks, such as built-in artificial intelligence (AI) into Gmail and the capability to work on any operating system since its web based. If you are looking to be the most efficient you can, Google has an edge when you rely on its advanced AI features. If you use a flavor of Linux operating system, then Google Workspace may be a better fit as well.

Google's approach is cloud-native and browser-centric. The web-based services are identical to the personal tools your employees are already familiar with, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. When used with Google's Chrome browser, those apps support offline storage of email and documents.

For some familiar with Gmail, Google Workspace is a bit less intimidating and more intuitive. Users will be able to write emails with the popular Gmail that so many are familiar with and create spreadsheets and documents with Google docs, sheets, and slides. Google Drive allows users to share files in an easily accessible hub and various permission settings. Plus, the Google Calendar is easily integrated among colleagues making back-and-forth communication concerning availability easy.

There are some disadvantages to Google Workspace. Primarily the lack of Microsoft Office applications for those users who rely on advanced features of Excel and Word. Also, some critics cite Google Meet’s lack of options in comparison to its competitors like Zoom, Skype, or even Microsoft Teams.

Pricing plans

In contrast, Google’s plans come in four levels of pricing that start at six dollars per user a month and upwards for the “enterprise” plan. Microsoft 365 has many plans aimed at small businesses or large enterprises ranging from six dollars per user per month to 57 dollars per user per month, depending on your needs. Although the Microsoft 365 plans typically are more expensive, that’s because of the inclusion of the Office desktop apps.

Conclusion

In terms of pricing, both services are fairly similar. However, Microsoft 365 does have a few more expensive plans than Google Workspace (namely its enterprise-level offerings). So if you're on a tight budget or you are looking for efficiency gains using AI, Google Workspace might be the better choice.

If you're already familiar with Microsoft Office or if you need to use specific features that are only available in those applications (such as Outlook or Mail Merge in Word), then Microsoft 365 may be the better choice. With that said, Google does have an Outlook Sync utility to allow those die hard Outlook users to still use Outlook with Gmail.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which service is right for your business is to take them both for a test drive and see which one feels more intuitive and user-friendly.

If you have questions about which might be best for your organization, contact SDTEK today! We are happy to answer your questions about cloud computing and other IT consulting questions.

Sources

https://www.itsasap.com/blog/pros-and-cons-microsoft-365

https://www.templafy.com/blog/reasons-to-use-google-workspace-benefits-for-business/

https://blog.suitebriar.com/g-suite-advantages-and-disadvantages

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