Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace

Productivity suite applications have become increasingly essential as remote working is now the norm for many businesses. Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are the two main options in this space and both operate as SaaS platforms – but with a different set of options and features. If your business is keen to invest in greater efficiency, productivity suite applications can help you to achieve this because they improve everything, from teamwork to collaboration. But which is the best option where Microsoft 365 and  Google Workspace are concerned?

The two options

1. Google Workspace – This is Google’s offering, which brings together a range of different tools including Gmail, Docs and Sheets. Opting for  Google Workspace provides access to a number of features, from email messaging to shared calendars and video meetings.
2. Microsoft 365 – If you’re more used to using the Microsoft suite of tools then Microsoft 365 brings all of these together, including Outlook, Excel, OneDrive, Share Point and Microsoft Teams. It’s designed to help your business be more agile and the various features of Microsoft 365 are intended to make the platform very easy to use and incredibly efficient.

What factors should you consider?

When looking at whether Microsoft 365 or  Google Workspace is going to be best for your business these are some of the key factors to consider.

• Convenience – There is no doubt that Microsoft 365 has a lot to offer when it comes to convenience. Its applications and cloud abilities function even when the platform is offline and files can be stored and accessed from anywhere. This helps to facilitate productivity in the modern workplace, even where some of the workforce is remote.
• A focus on businesses – Again, Microsoft 365 comes out on top here – one survey identified that 85% of Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft Outlook. That means that many of the features of Microsoft are designed for businesses and likely to already be familiar for users. All interrelated tasks can be easily performed and there are packages available, for example for data storage and sharing options.  Google Workspace does have limitations in this area, especially as it is not designed for easy interdepartmental collaboration.
• Agility and interconnectivity – It’s vital to look for a platform that will offer applications that function together seamlessly and which can enable cohesion and collaboration right across the workforce. Mobile and desktop applications should be easy to sync and sharing options should be in real time. Google Workspace does have sharing functionality but it’s not as large a capacity as that which is offered by Microsoft 365.
• Cybersecurity – Google Workspace does have in-built security but it just can’t compete with the level of cybersecurity that comes from applications like Microsoft Defender. From hacking to IT breaches and the threat of ransomware, there are so many IT security challenges to consider that it makes sense to invest in the platform that provides the most protection.

Ultimately, what works best for your business is going to be an individual choice. However, there are clear benefits for any organisation in choosing Microsoft 365.

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