The battle between Google Apps and MS 365 is raging on. Companies need to decide between Google Apps and MS 365. Both solutions are providing productivity tools. They are also competitively priced. Both solutions have similar features. Thus, it is very difficult to choose between Google Apps and Microsoft 365. Most Google apps users are switching to the MS 365 platform due to some specific reasons. In this article, we are going to compare MS 365 and Google Apps tools.

Total Cost of Ownership

First, we are going to compare the total cost of ownership of both productivity suites. Google apps won’t help you in meeting all your business needs. However, at the same time, MS 365 will include all the features. Some companies think that Google Apps are cheaper when compared to other productivity suites. However, the TCO of Google Apps easily outweighs the MS 365.

Google Apps plan ranges from $5 to $10 per month per user. However, MS 365 plan ranges from $5 to $20 per month per feature. Google Apps is providing services like DPL, compliance capabilities, and encryption. Similarly, Microsoft 365 is also providing DLP, compliance capabilities, and DLP to its users.

You can’t use Google Apps as a hybrid solution. Thus, it is not a good idea for companies that are using a hybrid IT environment. MS 365 is built for both simple and hybrid environments. Their plans will include web and phone support. Thus, MS 365 is better than Google Apps.

Functionality

If you want features like encryption and DLP or data loss prevention, then you need to use find a third-party service. Google apps are not going to work as a hybrid solution. Thus, you can’t slowly move to the cloud. You have to give total commitment to only the cloud platform and Google apps. MS 365 will help you in controlling the pace of the cloud transition.

User Training

Google Apps are going to be new tools for your employees. Thus, you need to train your employees first. Microsoft 365 is already used by more than 1 billion people in the world. Most employees already know about these tools. Thus, you don’t need to halt your business operations for implementing MS 36 solution. Your employees are going to be already familiar with these tools.

Built-in Privacy and security

You might think that both tools are providing similar security. However, the security gulf between Google Apps and MS 365 is very wide. Google already has a history of not respecting the user’s privacy. They are still dealing with many accusations as they use user’s data for developing targeted advertising. Also, you need to opt-in if you want to gain the best security terms.

Google’s lawyers have already stated that Google email users shouldn’t have any expectation of privacy.

On the other hand, MS is trying their best to protect its user’s security and privacy. MS will contractually agree to protect your information. They will never use your information for advertising purposes.

Google Apps is offering antispam features to its users but you need to pay extra money for the feature. MS 365 is offering antispam features for free. You can also customize this feature according to your needs. MS 365 is also offering personal email permissions to their users. Microsoft is also providing encryption to its users. They will encrypt both your shared and stored data. However, Google is not offering any encryption to its users. You might need to find a third-party encryption tool due to this.

You can understand the difference in security and privacy from these points. However, the major difference is more evident when you compare the security compliance between these tools. We are going to compare all the security compliances that need to be achieved by businesses.

Healthcare Compliance

MS was the first cloud company to address HIPAA security regulation. They have also addressed all the other healthcare regulations. Due to this, many hospitals are moving their applications and data to the cloud. They will ensure that you are meeting HIPAA security compliance.

If you are using Google Apps, then you need to disable additional services for achieving HIPAA compliance. Also, Google site which is a project management app is not HIPAA compliant. Due to this, you need to find a third-party management application for your business. Google Hangouts is also not HIPAA compliant. Thus, you need to find a different video call application for your business.

Education Compliance

MS has signed a separate school service provider pledge. They will ensure that they are safeguarding student privacy. Thus, they are the best productivity tools suite for educational institutions.

Google is already dealing with various litigations as they use Education user’s data for targeted advertising. Thus, we can’t recommend Google apps for educational institutions.

Public Sector Compliances

MS 365 apps like Skype, Office Online, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online Archiving, and Exchange Online already supports the CJIS requirements. Thus, you don’t need to worry about breaching any security compliance. If you want to stay security compliant, then MS 365 is the best option for you.

Google is not meeting FBI background checks. Thus, you might end up breaking some security regulations.

It is clear that MS 365 is the winner. MS 365 is the best business productivity solution available in the market. You will get a clear upfront cost in the starting. This will ensure that you don’t need to spend more money in the future.

Conclusion

MS 365 is better when compared to Google Apps. Thus, if you are confused between Google Apps and MS 365, then you should go for MS 365. There are many MSP providers in the market that can help you in the Microsoft migration process. Experienced MSPs like Bleuwire can help you in streamlining the MS 365 migration process. This will ensure that you can avoid the unexpected dangers of migrating to the cloud. Bleuwire will help you in streamlining the entire cloud migration process. If you need more information regarding MS 365, then you can contact Bleuwire.

Contact us today to learn about Bleuwire™ services and solutions in how we can help your business.