Cake vs. pie. Mountains vs. beaches. Cat people vs. dog people. Early birds vs. night owls. Toilet paper facing inward or outward.
Some issues cause unexpectedly strong opinions and reactions — causing people to fall (passionately) into one camp or the other.
One group swears up and down that their preference is superior, and the other disagrees with equal fervor.
Just try convincing a “toilet-paper-should-be-in-the-front-like-bangs” person that the bathroom tissue rolling to the back (like a mullet) is not a problem.
Not. Going. To. Happen.
Sometimes opinions are just too ingrained. Some folks will always be dog people.
But other times, you might be open to change if the alternative has enough benefits (or like the time that fluffy little kitten stole your daughter’s heart, and now…you’re a cat person).
The great platform debate
Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace can also spark strong reactions and opinions.
They’re both useful platforms, but they have distinct strengths and differences.
Which is better?
It depends on you and your organization!
Businesses choose their platform for a variety of reasons.
Sometimes, it boils down to familiarity. Maybe you’re a young entrepreneur and have always used Google Workspace. Maybe your staff prefers Excel over Google Sheets — so your business uses 365. Perhaps you use Macs and find Google Workspace easier.
Now, there are some people that have absolutely decided against changing platforms. Sometimes, people take issue with either Microsoft or Google — and don’t want to support the other out of principle. Maybe they’ve built their business on a platform, and the disruption of changing just isn’t worth it.
If this sounds like you — we’re not going to try to convince you to change. If your platform is working for you, that’s awesome.
Varay Managed IT can serve the IT needs of clients on both sides of the Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace debate.
That said, Google Workspace Legacy is transitioning to paid on May 1, 2022. People who have been using the legacy version will need to make a change anyway — so if you’ve been considering Microsoft 365, this might be an ideal time to take the plunge.
What’s the difference between dog people and cat people Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace?
Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 both provide a similar service: a set of apps for users to create, manage, and store data — and share that information with other users.
But each platform has features that could help or hinder — depending on your business.
Google Workspace
From early on, Google has specialized in cloud technology. With Google Workspace, all programs can be used online through a web browser — without requiring users to download the software. This can work well for creative-focused businesses with multiple independent contractors because the ease of sharing information makes it ideal for collaboration. Business owners don’t have the expense of paying for their contractors’ accounts — and individuals can easily share from their Google Drive when data leakage and intellectual property (IP) issues aren’t a big concern.
Microsoft 365
Although Varay has both types of clients, about 98% of our customers have chosen Microsoft in the Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace debate. Many of our clients work in industries that require a level of security and structure that can be more tightly controlled with Microsoft 365.
From a compliance perspective, the Microsoft platform provides better tools to protect sensitive data — even at the file level. In fact, businesses that deal with CMMC compliance, HIPAA, and PII (personally identifiable information) must have these controls.
And Defense contractors handling Level 3 CMMC data almost have to use specific Microsoft programs to comply with security requirements!
For businesses like these, Microsoft 365 is much better suited for centralizing data, enforcing group policy, and tightening control over IP — and Google Workspace is not recommended.
Microsoft was late to the “cloud game” — but it has worked hard to play catch-up with Google to provide web browser access to apps for remote work.
The Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace Conversation
Hopefully, you can see that there are valid reasons for businesses to choose their platform — whether it’s Google or Microsoft.
But what if you aren’t sure that you’re using the optimal platform for your business? Here are some questions to ask that might make the choice easier:
Should your business switch platforms? 4 Questions to ask:
- Is your business more about individual creative contribution, or do you need to centralize data and control access?
- Does your business handle information that falls under HIPPA, PCI, or CMMC compliance? Or can you share data without leakage or IP concerns?
- Is your business scaling? Does your platform provide you with flexibility to prepare for future growth?
- Are the benefits of the new platform worth the disruption to your business?
Whether you’re team Google Workspace or team Microsoft 365, Varay can provide your business with the IT support it needs. We want to help set up your business for success, with optimal tools for your situation — whichever platform you choose!
If you’re considering the switch from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 — or just want to find out how your business can get the most out of your platform — contact Varay Managed IT for a free consultation.
{{cta(‘be67b52a-b7f4-41ec-b1d8-d34b9cde46aa’,’justifycenter’)}}
