Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365 – which is right for your business?
When considering which cloud-based operating platform is best for your business, most businesses consider two options: Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. The first thing to point out is that both are great platforms allowing businesses and users to function efficiently, effectively, and collaboratively. Both do similar things and are compatible with one another, allowing users across the business to:
- Create word documents, spreadsheet and presentations
- Share documents and allow others to edit and collaborate
- Meet people online via video conferencing
- Manage own and colleagues’ calendars
- Store and share files in the cloud
- Automate simple and repetitive tasks
The functionality available on both platforms does however differ depending on which package you have chosen.
One of the main differences between the two applications is that Google Workspace applications operate in a web browser whilst Microsoft 365 can operate from a web browser as well as desktop applications (e.g. word, excel, PowerPoint etc) – a difference which sways many businesses towards 365.
Google Fees
For current prices please click here.
Microsoft 365 Fees
Similarly Microsoft 365 has a range of packages starting at a basic package through to premium, allowing you to scale the package as your business expands. Like Workspace, 365 is priced per user per month allowing additional users to be added as required.
For current prices please click here.
Some other important things to consider
Note that Microsoft 365’s prices do not include VAT so if you’re not VAT registered you need to factor in the cost of VAT. It is also cheaper to pay annually for 365 making Microsoft’s pricing less flexible than Google Workspace. It’s also worth noting that the 30GB storage limit on the Google starter package can be limiting and that the 365 basic package does not include desktop applications (word, excel etc), meaning that many users soon upgrade from the starter and basic packages.
Although Google Workspace does work offline it can be less effective than working offline with the desktop applications available through Microsoft 365. Desktop applications also provide greater functionality, and many people find them easier to use (remember that desktop applications are not available on Microsoft’s basic package). On the other hand, Google Workspace applications tend to provide better functionality than Microsoft 365’s online apps presenting another reason to think carefully before committing to the Microsoft 365 basic package.
Some businesses want to actively move towards cloud-based and collaborative environments, Google Workspace is more likely to encourage this shift as it doesn’t offer the option of desktop-based applications (which can promote a more traditional way of working). Removing desktop applications can also help reduce the costs of installing and managing them – having everything in the cloud can prove simpler and less costly to manage. It’s also possible to use Google Workspace with Microsoft desktop-based applications which could present the best of both worlds but this could prove counter intuitive as it could reintroduce the complexity and cost that many businesses who opt for Google Workspace are aiming to avoid.
Driving Automation
Exciting applications that allow businesses to drive automation through ‘no code’ platforms are available in Google Workspace through Appsheet and Microsoft 365 through Power Automate. Many businesses are using these applications to automate processes such as approving managing holidays and expenses – a major benefit if working in hybrid environments.
And to conclude
Both options are robust, cost effective and sophisticated, providing all of the functionality required for most businesses. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and ways of working. Both platforms can be tried for free so before you commit why not give them a try?