Both Microsoft with Office 365 and Google with G Suite would like to be the choice that every company will make as its basic productivity set of tools. The features that both platforms provide, even in their cheapest subscription package, cover most of the needs of a business. Each suite includes the following functions:
- Corporate email and shared calendar with a multitude of options
- Online storage space with sharing capabilities
- Productivity applications for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Communication applications such as messaging, online meetings and video conferencing
- Management interface and security features
Both of these services are highly reliable due to the infrastructure that Google and Microsoft have, with data centers all over the world.
However, while the features and capabilities provided by the 2 platforms are identical, there are several changes in the way the applications are designed.
Microsoft's solution is quite well-known as it is based on its desktop applications, known as Office. Updates are applied automatically through Windows updates and the initial installation is quite easy and quick.
On the other hand, Google's apps rely more on web-based tools that are accessible through a browser. The apps are not much different from Office's, neither visually nor functionally.
Both services provide a web-based management environment and are intended for medium to large-sized companies.
Cost and packages
Google, with its keep it simple philosophy, has just 3 packages. Basic at $6, Business at $12, and Enterprise at $25. Prices are per user and per month.
Microsoft 's Office 365, on the other hand, has more options. Specifically, it has 3 for small businesses and 4 for larger organizations that want to "move on" from the usual pattern with the usual license activation per machine. In addition, there are options for students, for US government agencies and for non-profit organizations. Prices for Office 365 range from 4 to 35 dollars per month, while there is also the option to purchase custom packages in case one of the ready-made ones does not suit you.
Comparing the packages between the two providers is difficult, although there are some similarities. Most of the Office 365 packages are more expensive than their G Suite counterparts as they include the Office applications.
Finally, which package is most ideal for each business is determined by the needs and the size of the business itself. The available G Suite packages can be found here, while Office365 here.
