G Suite or Microsoft 365: Which Popular Productivity Suite Delivers Better Results?

G Suite or Microsoft 365: Which Popular Productivity Suite Delivers Better Results?

Written by Joe Cannata

Posted on May 31, 2020

G Suite or Microsoft 365?

Many businesses have had to adjust to dramatic shifts in working and learning. With more employees working from home, many businesses have had to deploy new tools for communicating and collaborating. Frequently, that means using a popular productivity suite of apps.

These integrated platforms include multiple software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email and file sharing. Two of the most popular are Google’s G Suite and Microsoft’s Office 365.

Knowing which platform is best for your institution means understanding the features and differences of each.

What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Google G Suite and Microsoft 365?

Both platforms are subscription-based services, with monthly per-person fees. Each offers different tiers of services, based on the package you choose.

G Suite and Microsoft 365 work on multiple devices, browsers and operating systems. Each company also offers apps to enhance the user experience for the platform of choice.

Here’s a look at the features of each platform:

• Business Email. Both Gmail for Business (Google) and Outlook for Business (Microsoft) allow you to generate professional email addresses with your domain name and multiple email aliases for each user.
• Business Applications. Office 365 has web versions of its popular apps, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote (notetaking). It also features PC-only versions of Publisher (for design work) and Access (a relational database). G Suite includes Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Keep (notetaking), Photos and Meet. Google also offers offline versions of several of its business apps. Office 365 includes desktop versions, while G Suite does not.
• File Storage. Cloud storage is one of the major advantages of using either application. G Suite offers 30 GB to 1 TB per user, using Google Drive to store and access files. Office 365 includes 1 TB of storage per user via the OneDrive app and 60 GB per user for email storage. Both solutions allow for syncing across devices and sharing
• Collaboration Tools. Google’s Meet provides video and voice conferencing services G suite uses the Drive functionality to allow teams to collaborate on files and share them with outside users. Users can use the Calendar and Keep functions to create to-do lists, tasks, timelines and events. Microsoft uses its Teams service to provide similar features. Employees can create teams, upload and collaborate on files, make notes and hold video and audio conferencing right from Teams, which integrates with all the Office applications.

What Are the Advantages of Microsoft 365 vs. G Suite?

While there are many similarities between the two platforms, there are several features and functions that give Microsoft Office 365 a decided advantage.

• Office 365 has both web and desktop versions, while G Suite is limited to the web. While the Office 365 online apps have some limited features, the seamlessness of moving from desktop to cloud is a major advantage
• Many of the Office apps have more functionality than their G Suite counterparts. Word and Excel deliver many more features and capabilities than Docs and Sheets
• Office 365 offers offline capabilities not available in G Suite. Users on the advanced business plans can use the Office apps offline when there’s no internet connection available
• More users are familiar with Office 365 apps. There is more customization offered in programs like Outlook and a more intuitive user interface

At Techsperts LLC, we offer comprehensive cloud services, including installation, subscription management, cybersecurity and help desk support. We help businesses throughout New Jersey and New York with managed technology and consulting services. Contact us to learn more about keeping your staff productive, whether working in the office or remotely.