Making the decision between cloud platform solutions like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for your organization can be difficult. Both offer lots of great features, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will break down the pros and cons of each platform so that you can make an informed decision about which is right for your small business.
Deciding What Cloud Platform Solutions Are Best for Your Business
When it comes down to it, both software applications are incredibly advanced and useful for businesses of all sizes and industries. However, there may be features of one or the other that are essential to your business.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide which platforms will be best for your employees, workflows, and processes. You may also want to discuss the pros and cons of each with an IT professional who can help you install, monitor, and update your systems.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive platform that includes Office 365, Windows Enterprise, and Enterprise Mobility + Security. It’s perfect for businesses who want to move away from on-premises solutions and have a single monthly bill for all of their software needs.
Pros:
·Includes Office 365 – a full suite of applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more.
·Windows Enterprise – a robust operating system that is perfect for businesses of all sizes.
·Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) – provides security features like device management, data loss prevention, and conditional access to help protect your company’s data.
·Storage Drive – gives you a terabyte of storage space to store your company’s data.
·Accessibility – Microsoft 365 can be accessed from any device, anywhere in the world.
Cons:
·Price – Microsoft 365 is more expensive than Google Workspace.
·Complexity – it can be difficult to set up and manage Microsoft 365 on your own.
Google Workspace
Google Workspace is a suite of applications that includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It’s perfect for businesses who want an affordable and easy-to-use solution that can be accessed from any device.
Pros:
·Affordable – most applications are free to use.
·Easy-to-use – can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Google Workspace is also highly rated for its usability, which can help employees of all technical abilities stay connected.
·Suite of applications – includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
·Sharing and Collaboration – multiple people can work on the same document at the same time.
Cons:
·Lacks features that are included in Microsoft 365 like Windows Enterprise and EMS.
·Does not include a full suite of applications like Microsoft 365 does.
·Storage – Google only offers a limited amount of storage space for its applications.
·Not great for large businesses – Google Workspace is not as robust or scalable as Microsoft 365, so it may be better in the long term for larger businesses to work with Microsoft 365
Which Cloud Platform Solution Is Right for Your SMB?
In the end, the decision between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for your organization is up to you. Both offer great software applications and solutions, but one may be more beneficial or cost-effective for you in the long run.
To learn more about these options and more, contact an IT professional at Ascent Data. We can help you choose the best option for your specific business and assist with everything from installation to updates and monitoring.
