When it comes to choosing a productivity suite for your team, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are the top contenders. Both have strong tools for communication, file sharing, and collaboration—but they take very different approaches.
Microsoft 365 is built around the classic Office tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook. Many users are already familiar with them, and Microsoft still offers full-featured desktop apps alongside cloud versions. For collaboration, it relies heavily on Teams and SharePoint, which offer shared file storage, internal sites, and team communication in one place.
Google Workspace, by contrast, is entirely cloud-based. Its strength lies in real-time collaboration—Docs, Sheets, and Slides let multiple people work in the same file at the same time, with no software to install. Sharing files through Google Drive is simple, and tools like Google Chat, Meet, and Spaces keep conversations and projects organized.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the collaboration tools:
| Feature | Microsoft 365 + SharePoint | Google Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Document Editing | Full desktop and online Office apps | Real-time editing in Docs, Sheets, Slides |
| File Sharing | OneDrive and SharePoint, detailed permissions | Google Drive, simple link-based sharing |
| Team Communication | Microsoft Teams for chat, calls, meetings | Google Chat, Meet, and Spaces |
| Intranet/Team Sites | SharePoint sites with custom permissions | Google Sites (lightweight use) |
| Version History | Built into Office and SharePoint | Automatic in Docs, Sheets, Slides |
| Workflow Automation | Power Automate, Forms, and Lists | Google Forms and Apps Script |
At Spectrum MSP, we help businesses choose and implement the right platform. If you’re unsure which one fits your team best, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Want to talk it through? Schedule a free consultation—no pressure, just practical advice.