Choosing between the two main office suites is difficult, with both pricing and features influencing the decision.
Ultimately though, the main decision should be based around which one is better for your business. With both software suites being cloud-compatible, it can be quite confusing to figure out which is going to benefit your business the most.
Implementing new software in the workplace is not a decision to make quickly, as it is important to consider how your workforce will adopt any new software.
An introduction to Google Apps for Business
Google Apps for Business introduces small to medium-sized businesses to effective document creation and organisation tools. With Google already well-adopted as both an industry-leading search engine and email client, it is more than likely you are already familiar with the Google-ecosystem.
Offering a range of software that more than stacks up to its Microsoft competitor, Google provides its users with word processing, spreadsheet and cloud storage networks.
But how does it stand up to Office 365?
Comparisons between Google Apps and Office 365
1. Similar applications, different features
Office workers need a suite of programmes that are simple to navigate, but provide the user with a wide range of features needed to get the job done. For some, the simplicity offered by Google may suit their everyday needs, but for businesses requiring heavy-duty word processing, it is Office 365 that packs a punch.
2. Cloud-based office processing
Both applications now offer word processing options online, allowing your business to enter the ‘cloud’ and all the advantages of doing so. Though Google Apps is browser-only, Office 365 does also provide desktop versions of its award-winning applications – providing its user with added flexibility and options on how to use the software suite.
3. Excel vs. Sheets
With many businesses relying heavily on Microsoft’s Excel, attempting to move over to Sheets, Google’s alternative, can be a costly move. While many offices may find the move easy, organisations that have spent time and money training staff on the many features offered in Excel may find their workforce rejecting the idea of leaving it behind.
File storage and security
For businesses looking to easily backup and store their files, both office suites offer a good range of storage with their various plans.
While G Suite does provide 30 GB to users of its basic plan, any saved emails and their contents are included in this 30 GB of storage.
Alternatively, the basic storage provided by Office 365 comes in at a massive 1 TB with the option of further expanding this already mammoth standard offering.
Professional email addresses for businesses
For businesses keen to save money, investing in a business email address may not have been the first things added to the startup inventory.
An email address with your company name is one of the easiest (and overlooked) tactics for smaller businesses to increase their visibility and improve their business reputation. Offered with Office 365, you will be given access to a powerful business-grade email client with a personalised email address. Offering you important business IT solutions inside an already feature-packed business software suite that won’t break the budget.
How to choose between G Suite and Office 365
Choosing between these two office productivity suites is, ultimately, a decision shaped by the users of the software. Upgrading your Microsoft word processing to Office 365 adds an extra layer of professional tools at your fingertips, whilst keeping your staff happy using software they are already familiar with.
With modern businesses exploring the advantages of homeworking and flexible employees, these cloud-based software suites keep your employees connected in and out of the office easily.
It would not be a surprise to tell you that it is Microsoft currently leading the market, with Google finding a comfortable niche in startup and small businesses. So, don’t forget to consider what your clients and the businesses you work alongside use for their digital office files, as you may want to avoid potential file-sharing incompatibility issues by migrating to a different productivity suite.
We are dedicated to providing innovative and cost-effective IT solutions for businesses in a wide range of industries. Our team is here to help you understand the benefits of moving to cloud-based office applications and provide comprehensive migration services to keep your business running smoothly. In fact, once the migration process is complete, your business will save money on expensive commercial file-storage drives and maintenance.