In today’s market, it is vital for organizations to regularly update their software tools and systems with solutions that will allow them to enhance their competitive edge. In the business efficiency and productivity sphere, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are two solutions that companies frequently encounter.

Both productivity suites are capable of innovating company processes and promoting obstacle-free collaboration. Consequently, when you take them at face value, they seem similar. As a business owner looking to innovate your operations, if you are able to distinguish between them, you will have an easier time selecting the most relevant productivity tools for your organization.

Microsoft 365: What is it?

Microsoft 365 (also known as M365 for short) is a suite of cloud-based tools that help companies and their staff innovate organizational processes, resulting in businesses with increased revenue and faster response times to customer queries. M365 allows team members to develop and edit vital workplace data while streamlining its shareability and access.

As the suite leverages cloud technology, it grants you and your team the ability to log into and utilize programs and information from any authorized device (computers, cell phones, and tablets), regardless of one's location or time. With this, you can also collaborate on documents with your colleagues at the same time (referred to as co-authoring).

Any changes that are made are saved and synchronized across your organization—with M365's co-authoring function, you can rest easy knowing that your people will always have the most up-to-date information.

Microsoft productivity tools also support the latest in cybersecurity solutions, from artificial intelligence to multi-factor authentication (MFA) and data encryption. With M365 as your business's productivity suite, you will be able to improve efficiencies in your operations, cut costs, and make it easier for your team to complete their work to a high standard.

What tools are included in M365?

The suite supports several applications that all small businesses and medium-sized institutions can use to enhance their performance.

M365 programs include:

No matter if you regularly use the desktop apps of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or your staff frequently use the mobile app of Microsoft Teams on the go, Microsoft productivity tools are capable of supporting all areas of your business.

An overview of Google Workspace

Available on a range of operating systems, Google Workspace enables the production and sharing of various types of projects (written pieces, presentations, etc.) that can be accessed by users regardless of whether or not they have the specific application on their device.

Google Workspace’s collaborative tools you may be familiar with include:

  • Google Drive
  • Gmail
  • Google Meet
  • Sheets
  • Docs
  • Slides

From video conferencing software to project generation and data management in Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Google Workspace aims to streamline business processes with the tools companies need for enhanced business efficiency.

Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: What are the differences?

Microsoft productivity tools and the applications in Google Workspace are fully capable of supporting your business in its journey. However, you may find that one suite is more relevant to your needs.

The primary differences between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are:

Security measures

Cybersecurity is a fundamental component of any business's technology infrastructure and procedures. Both Microsoft and Google incorporated this mindset into their suites. But, you will find that the former's security features are more dynamic than the latter's. For example, Microsoft deploys MFA while Google uses two-factor authentication (2FA)—a login security measure that is not as detailed as MFA.

At the same time, Workspace's capacity to work with various external apps (so long as access is granted) has the potential to increase the likelihood of users experiencing security risks.

In a move to improve business efficiency and data security within networks, Microsoft provides users with the following security features:

  • Mobile device management (MDM): Lets you authorize devices and develop policies that lay out how they ought to be used in your work environment.
  • Advanced threat protection (ATP): Monitors emails and blocks messages that contain nefarious links.
  • Data loss prevention (DLP): Develops and enforces policies addressing the handling of sensitive data.
  • Identity and access management (IAM): Deploys access control measures around your network and its documents/programs.
  • Risk management: Monitors your network, spots vulnerabilities, and helps you solve them.

Fundamentally, when compared to Workspace, Microsoft productivity tools contain more advanced cybersecurity capabilities, making it easier for organizations to create a secure technical ecosystem that rewards them with greater business efficiency and less downtime.

Availability

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace plans adhere to a subscription, typically requiring customers to pay per user/per month for access to applications. Here, the difference lies in the number of plans available. Workspace is offered in four subscriptions, while M365 has seven plans to choose from.

These plans range from Microsoft 365 Business Basic to Microsoft 365 F3 (at the enterprise level). While Microsoft offers a general fee for each subscription, you can also tailor your plan to suit your organization's specific needs—a perfect solution for businesses that want to customize their suite with the features they know they will use, saving them money.

Use Microsoft 365 to boost employee morale and company procedures

Your productivity tools ought to align with your values to innovate your team's projects and increase your company's revenue. Microsoft 365 offers users similar features as Google Workspace but enhances them with leading IT solutions for greater operational performance.

The Microsoft 365 experts at PWR Technologies can help your business take advantage of M365 with fast installations and cost-effective, ongoing support for higher-quality services that will allow you to lead your industry.