Cloud technology is the new standard computing and plays an important role in developing a successful business. Google and Microsoft provide two of the most popular Web-based business suites available. Understanding the differences between the two services – and identifying the needs of your staff – may help you choose the best cloud computing solution for your business.
Interoperability
Recently, Microsoft has made some impressive upgrades to its suite of Office 365 applications – including the release of new mobile office apps for Android and iOS – in order to compete with Google. While Google Docs and Sheets can be exported into Microsoft office files, this workaround may be less-than-ideal for your business. The ability to work with other systems, products and business in the industry is a key element in effective business technology.
Both OneDrive and Google Drive are available on most modern devices – mobile or otherwise – offering comparable solutions for business subscribers. Both Microsoft and Google provide web-based email solutions; however, Microsoft Outlook for Desktop is still the number-one choice among businesses for email processing.
The User
In order to select the best cloud computing solution for your business, you must understand who your employees are and what they need to effectively complete their tasks. If your business operates with finance and accounting staff, then Microsoft Excel may be critical to their success at your company. You’re likely to encounter a learning curve – and training costs – when switching your staff from one service to another.
While most office staff hold a working knowledge of Microsoft Office’s desktop applications, Google’s office apps are only available on desktops through a Web browser. Start-ups often choose Google Apps for Work as it does not require users to install additional apps on their workstations. Office 365 enables your staff to use desktop and Web-based office applications.
Adoption
While Google Apps for Work and Salesforce.com have been leading the cloud application trend over recent years, as of August Microsoft’s Office 365 has become “the most widely used cloud application among businesses.” Analyze your customers and your employees to determine which service will have the least impact on performance. In the business world, Microsoft still has the upper hand and may be the best choice for your business with scalability in mind.
Pricing
Office 365 and Google for Work are available at a starting subscription of $5 per month. If you want to test the waters, you may want to try Google first as its subscription is available month-to-month while Microsoft’s requires a one-year commitment.
Google’s lowest plan provides each of your users with only 30GB of storage whereas Office 365 users each receive 1TB. For $10 a month Google offers unlimited storage to its users. Entry-level subscribers may prefer Microsoft’s solution if your business relies on heavy data storage and exchange. Office 365 offers six different pricing options which may give your business a little more flexibility than Google.