Differences
Historically, Microsoft Office has been installed directly on computers, with documents saved locally. In contrast, Google Workspace (formerly GSuite) operates within an internet browser, such as Chrome, and doesn't require software installation. With Google Workspace, documents are primarily stored online.
| G suite | MS Office | |
|---|---|---|
| documents saved | online only | on a computer as well as online |
| computer software | not included | included |
Although Microsoft is rapidly catching up with Google, since the 2013 version, MS Office requires an internet connection for periodic activation validation, and documents are automatically synced with Microsoft OneDrive (cloud) by default.
Sync Google with Microsoft Office
Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook application connects MS Office Outlook emails and calendar with Workspace.
Google Drive syncs various document types, such as text files and spreadsheets, across devices using Workspace. These devices can be PCs, tablets, or mobile phones running Microsoft, Mac, or Android systems. However, syncing between Google Workspace and Microsoft Office is far from perfect, and if you opt for Workspace, it's often better to avoid using Microsoft Office altogether. Android devices work best with the Workspace cloud, though Chrome laptops, while an option, remain less popular.
Price comparison
Like Google, Microsoft has an internet only package without software called Microsoft Office 365 Business Basic for $9 per user per month which is an equivalent to Workspace Business starter for $8.4.
The price of MS Office software starts from $109 per user per year for a Personal version without Business features such as email server.
Office 365 Business Standard with desktop software and online services including email server Exchange is $18.70 per user per month
Free personal email account vs business email server
Personal emails look like: 
Business emails look like: 
Parts after @ called domains. Gmail.com and Hotmail.com are the same for everyone in the world. Hence you cannot choose any username. But a business email server is linked to unique domains, usually a business name. So, you can have any email you like if it is unique to your business. Apart from the professional look, the advantage of business emails is the control over the data and advanced features not available or limited to free email services.
Both Workspace and MS Office Business include an email server. Google confusingly called it Gmail but within the Google Workspace suite. It is similar to free Gmail but it is not the same. Microsoft's name for the business email server is Exchange.
Outlook and Outlook.com difference
Everyone knows Outlook as a program on PC. To highlight the business purpose, Microsoft renamed the free online email Hotmail service to Outlook.com. Now the log in to paid MS Office 365 online is the same as the free email. Basic features email and documents for paid and free Microsoft online services are the same. Again, the difference between the paid Office is the software on your PC and the business website domain.
Live Mail was a free email client for Windows XP and Windows7. People still use it, albeit I do not recommend it due to many bugs. There is a new free Outlook app for Windows, available in the Windows Store, which is simpler than LiveMail used to be.
- Issues with MS Office 365
- Disrupting work features such as Focused inbox
- Complicated security, data retention, and administration policies.
- OneDrive can struggle with syncing a large number of files. For example, syncing 100 GB of files on a typical NBN connection with a 20 Mbps upload speed could take around 11 hours. This can also lead to syncing issues when multiple users access the same files.
+ Advantages of MS Office 365
- Consistent and responsible support which unsweres usually within 5 minutes.
- Easy domain setup
- Extensive functionality.
- Wide adoption, interoperability within organisations.
- Issues with G Workspace
- Buggy poor supported synchronisation with Microsoft Outlook.
- User is forced to work in Chrome browser only.
- Self-certified for compliance but does not provide granular control over data.
- Inconsistent support with zero accountability.
+ Advantages of Google Workspace
- Simple and robust. Core services are relatively stable due to minimalism and a base of fanatic software developers.
Conclusion
For a small business or startup, Google Workspace is the way to go. Companies with an IT support can choose Microsoft Office 365 Business.
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