Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365: Which cloud giant reigns supreme?

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Choosing between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 is like picking between brownies or cake – both are good choices, but there are some differences it pays to consider.

Both offer a collection of tools to help you and your team stay organised, collaborate, and conquer the world (well, at least the professional one). It’s not as simple as, “this is what I always used, so I will keep doing so.” Things have changed since the early 2000s: Google Workspace is now more popular with businesses than Microsoft 365. About 50% of all companies use Google Workspace, while Microsoft is used by about 45%. Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter? All Google Workspace users. That’s not to say Microsoft isn’t used by big companies, but Google has a longer list of famous names in their userbase.

You’re probably not the Facebook of the professional world, though. So, which one is right for your business? Let's dive in and settle this once and for all.

Google Workspace: Packs a punch

Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Here's why people love it:

• Simplicity is key: Google Workspace is super easy to use. It's perfect for businesses of all sizes, especially those who don't want to spend hours training their team on complicated software.

• Real-time collaboration: Want to work on a document with your team at the same time? Google Workspace has got you covered. It's like having a virtual whiteboard where everyone can scribble their ideas, plus you can see who’s there in the document with you.

• Cost-effective: If you're on a budget, Google Workspace is a great option. It's generally more affordable than Microsoft 365, especially for small businesses.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Google Workspace does have a few drawbacks:

• Limited offline functionality: If you're often working on a plane or in a remote location with no internet connection, Google Workspace might not be the best choice. Google now has an extension that allows you to work on documents, spreadsheets or presentation slides offline, but it’s an extra step and limited to certain browsers.

• Fewer advanced features: While Google Workspace has come a long way, it still doesn't quite match Microsoft 365 when it comes to advanced features for power users.

Microsoft 365: The corporate heavyweight

Microsoft 365 is the Swiss Army knife of software, packed with features and options. Here's what makes it so popular:

• Power and flexibility: Microsoft 365 offers a wide range of powerful tools that can handle even the most complex tasks. It's perfect for businesses that need enterprise-level features.

• Desktop applications: If you're a fan of traditional desktop software, Microsoft 365 is the way to go. It offers both cloud-based and desktop versions of its popular apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Strong integrations: Microsoft 365 integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, making it a great choice for businesses that are already heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

However, with great power comes great responsibility (and a higher price tag). Microsoft 365 can be quite complex and expensive, especially for small businesses.

Pricing:

Storage: With Google’s Business Plus plan, you get 5 terabytes of shared storage for your whole company for 17.25€ a month. That’s a lot of storage–it would be equivalent to 5 million high-quality photos. Google Workspace then offers additional storage subscriptions that you can purchase to increase your quota. Microsoft, on the other hand, gives each person 1 terabyte, meaning there’s no shared or central storage. For this you would need to use SharePoint or OneDrive (additional Microsoft programmes).

Meetings: Google can handle between 100 and 500 people, depending on the plan. You can also record meetings with the Business Standard and Plus plans. With Microsoft Teams, you can have up to 1000 people in a meeting, and you can record no matter what plan you have.

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Users: One last thing to think about is how many people will actually use the service. Since you pay per person, it can really add up. So, figure out how many people need it to see if it’s a big deal cost-wise.

So, which one should you choose?

The best way to choose between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 is to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value simplicity, affordability, and real-time collaboration, Google Workspace might be the perfect fit. But if you need a powerful, feature-rich suite with strong integrations, Microsoft 365 is the way to go.

Need more help?

Choosing the right tech can be a big decision – not to mention a confusing one, especially for non-techies. If that sounds like you, consider offloading some of your IT burden to a tool like deeploi. You can find out more about what we offer here. FYI, we support all companies, whether you’re a Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 devotee.

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