Table of Contents
Introduction
Small businesses are accelerating cloud migration because of the pandemic. Moving to cloud SaaS settings is the logical outcome as businesses need to cooperate and be more productive across regions. Microsoft and Google’s cloud-based productivity suites are feature-rich and provide users with various communication, collaboration, and productivity tools.
The technologies are comparable because Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are made to increase productivity while facilitating effective team collaboration. However, certain management tools and programs are significantly dissimilar from one another.
Organizations rely heavily on these software packages daily to carry out crucial business tasks, including word processing, spreadsheet calculation, presentation, email, instant messaging, video conferencing, calendar, web hosting, note-taking, etc. This article covers Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace and the difference between them.
You can visit the IPS website to understand more about Microsoft and Google cloud services. Check out our Courses now!
What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft has a solid reputation in both the business and corporate sectors. The primary productivity tools in the Microsoft 365 package, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, are known to business owners and employees.
Microsoft also produces other well-known business products like Windows Server and BackOffice programs. Since these systems have long supported communications, collaboration, and data storage in on-premises datacenters, Microsoft 365 has an advantage in terms of confidence and solution knowledge.
What are the Benefits of Microsoft 365?
-
Security Features
All users of Microsoft 365 can use multi-factor authentication. AI is used to identify suspicious activity and learn user behavior. The spam, malware, and virus detection included with Microsoft 365 also examine all emails, attachments, and documents.
-
More Storage Space
Each user of Microsoft 365 get 1 TB of cloud storage space across all plans. Along with the OneDrive storage restriction, each user receives 50 GB of email storage. This is comparable to Google Workspace’s basic plan’s 30 GB storage per user.
-
Collaborate with Identified Tools
Given the familiarity with the products and their similarities, Microsoft 365 would be the easiest transition if one already uses Microsoft tools and want to switch to a SaaS model.
Why Does Small Business Need to Invest in Microsoft Suite?
A small firm should purchase the Microsoft suite for several reasons, some of which are listed below:
-
Streamlined Communication
Microsoft suites use a centralized system with video conferencing, instant messaging, and document sharing to enhance peer communication. Frequent communication among teams speeds up processes and increases production.
-
Business Continuity
Organizations may carry on as usual even in the face of catastrophes that unquestionably pose a risk to data housed on-premises due to on-cloud file storage.
-
Centralized Collaboration
For quick team communication, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 allow sharing calendars, contacts, documents, and mailboxes.
What is Google Workspace?
Recently, Google changed its name from G Suite to Google Workspace, indicating that it aims to develop a new SaaS experience to enable staff to work more productively and collaboratively in the absence of a global pandemic.
Most of us are already familiar with Gmail, Google Meet, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Slides, and Sheets, all included in Google Workspace. The fundamental services have, nevertheless, become significantly more integrated as a result.
Benefits of Implementing Google Workspace
The advantages of using Google Workspace include the following:
-
24/7 Accessibility
With the help of this cloud-hosted platform, users may access files and data from anywhere. Users do not need to be connected to the Internet to use Google Workspace’s offline features to view data or complete tasks. Google Workspace guarantees no downtime or scheduled maintenance outages with a 99.9% Service Level Agreement.
-
Easy Administration
Managers and administrators can monitor business activity using the Admin Console in Google Workspace. Administrators can gain important insights into content creation, team productivity, and potential security concerns from specific devices through reports on user activities.
-
Smooth Data Management
Google Workspace provides simple data migration tools to transfer data safely between servers and devices. Users can specify retention guidelines for archived content and search, and export company files to a local device with Vault.
Features / Functions
Microsoft 365
-
Cloud Storage
- 1TB of OneDrive storage
- 50GB email storage
-
Business Apps
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, Exchange, and SharePoint
-
Collaboration & Communication
- Allows simultaneous use by many users
- Enables 300 individuals to participate in online meetings and video conversations
- Allows users to connect with the team from their desktop or on the go with Microsoft Teams
- Users can access team discussions, meetings, files, and apps from one location
-
Security & Support
- Data encryption
- Cloud security technology from Microsoft
- Data loss prevention
- Multi-Factor Authentication
Google Workspace
-
Cloud Storage
- Business Starter – 30GB per user
- Business Standard – 2TB per user
- Business Plus – 5TB per user
-
Business Apps
- Google Drive, Calendar, Meet, Gmail, and Docs, Sheets, Slides, Keep, Sites
-
Collaboration & Communication
- Enables real-time multiuser editing
- 250 people can participate in phone and video conferences using Google Meet
- Advanced chat rooms with guest access and threaded rooms
-
Security & Support
- Data encryption
- Google cloud security protection
- Data loss prevention
- Two-step verification
How Does Microsoft 365 Compare to Google Workspace?
- The two productivity programs generally have the same functionality. However, one significant distinction that sets Microsoft 365 apart from Google Workspace is the availability of desktop and web versions of Microsoft 365 programs. Microsoft provides “browser-based apps” licenses and “full installations” licenses. This allows users to download and set up desktop versions on the local devices and use them offline if necessary.
- Storage is another significant distinction. While Google Workspace’s storage size varies based on the edition users buy, from 30GB to limitless storage, Microsoft 365 gives its users 1TB of cloud storage.
- Both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are safe platforms. However, Microsoft’s multi-factor authentication raises the bar compared to Google Workspace’s two-factor authentication.
Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace: Which is the Best for the Business?
The amazing features in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are all intended to improve the efficiency and productivity of the workflow. Google Workspace is the greatest option for startups or small enterprises needing straightforward, user-friendly business software to immediately get users up and running.
Microsoft 365 is the choice for companies that need strong and complex capabilities. Similar features for collaboration and productivity are available in Microsoft 365. However, the learning curve could be a little steep compared to Google Workspace’s simplicity.
Conclusion
While deciding between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, numerous aspects must be considered. The choice ultimately comes down to what best matches the needs as both offer a variety of features and tools.
However, it is crucial to note that Google Workspace does not offer the opportunity to purchase additional storage on a per-user basis; instead, one must upgrade the entire plan, which might prove to be rather expensive if the user has a large staff.