Comparison of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and Office 365

As we consider deploying cloud-based groupware, Google Apps and Office 365 are often compared. Which one is more attractive? In this blog post, we will first explain the benefits and necessity of cloud-based groupware, and then compare Google Apps and Office 365 in terms of the benefits of introducing them.

What is the cloud?

“Cloud” or “cloud computing” is a general term for Internet services that store software and data on a server on the Internet instead of storing them on individual computers, and taking them out as needed.

With the diversification and high performance of devices, there is a need to operate the system not only from personal computers but also from tablets and smartphones. As cloud services have become more widespread, people can work anytime, anywhere, and the freedom of workers has increased. There is no doubt that it will continue to be a highly sought-after service.

Why cloud-based groupware is needed

Changes in the business environment

As mentioned above, the number of people who use smartphones in business has increased, and the introduction of systems that do not depend on the environment of personal computers has come to be required. Being able to access the system on the go without having to go back to work will accelerate the speed of your business. If you have an environment where you can access the system from anywhere, you can flexibly respond to work from home due to diversified work styles.

Cost advantage

One of the merits of making the system cloud is that the development vendor can handle system management such as maintenance and security measures.

In the case of on-premises software, the load on the system staff in the company tends to be high, but by making it cloud-based, it is possible to allocate the personnel devoted to operation to development and field resources. By doing so, the work cost of the system staff can be reduced.

Another advantage is that you can flexibly change the number of licenses and the capacity used online. For example, if the number of users who need a license varies from month to month, you can increase the number of contracts only in the month you need it. You don’t have to pay for unused licenses, which saves you money. As for capacity, many services use a system that “pay only for what you use”, so you will be able to reduce the overall cost.

Google Hangouts support deadline and response

One of the key points to introduce cloud-based groupware is “how efficient can operation management be?”. In addition to the initial cost at the time of installation, be sure to check the operation management cost and system stability.

• Operational costs and personnel costs
• System utilization rate and stability
• Is it globally compatible?
• Is it compatible with multiple devices (mobile and tablet)?
• Compatibility with other systems

Which is easier to use? A thorough comparison between Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and Office 365

Now let’s compare Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) with Office 365. Both have similar features and tools, but let’s focus on the service content that the difference in concept and background has.

[Comparison 1] Concept and background

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)

• Developed with the idea of ​​100% Web use.
• The operation can be completed only with a browser or a terminal.

Office 365

• The individually developed software is also available in the cloud.
  (There may be compatibility issues such as changes due to service upgrades, layout corruption, and operational errors.)

[Comparison 2] System requirement policy

G Suite

• Since it is a 100% web service, it works with the latest browsers. There is no charge for updating the browser.
• There is no need to add an OS license or upgrade.

Office 365

• The system depends on the OS, and the cost of OS upgrade is required.
• Software replacement or purchase may occur.

* In the past, due to system requirements, it was necessary to update to Office2010 before the end of support for Office2007. In some cases, unexpected system costs were incurred, such as checking the operation of Excel linked to the core system and recreating macros.

[Comparison 3] Planned maintenance and data center location

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)

• There is no planned maintenance.
• The data is distributed all over the world.
• There is no effect of connection speed depending on the place of use.

Office 365

• There is planned maintenance and services may not be available during work.

[Comparison 4] Upgrade cycle

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)

• New features are added about once every two weeks.

Office 365

• Upgrades can be large.