For decades, Microsoft Office has been the most popular software for business users around the world. Most businesses need a word processor, spreadsheets, presentations and email, and Microsoft Office was the first to offer all of this, in one package.
The rise of cloud software apps
However, over the last few years, software applications have been moving off desktops towards software hosted in the cloud, where they can be accessed by any device that has an internet connection. Google Workspace is Google’s answer to Microsoft Office. It offers hosted email, collaboration tools and similar productivity apps to Microsoft Office. In addition, users get cloud-based storage on Google Drive, calendar functionality, video meetings, instant messaging and real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
Remote working on a large scale
Users can access Google Workspace from any computer as long as it has a web browser and internet connection. Businesses no longer have to spend big money on software licenses for every user. So, the big question is, can Google Workspace replace Microsoft Office as the go to software for most businesses?
How much does Google Workspace cost?
From a pricing perspective, Google Workspace is a compelling option. Basic business packages are priced from £4.60 per user per month.
Larger firms that require more advanced controls, shared drives and advanced auditing or reporting can upgrade to the Business Standard package which costs £9.20 per user per month. There are business plus and enterprise packages available at extra cost for businesses that require higher levels of security, compliance and management functionality.
Will Google Workspace replace Microsoft Office?
Other reasons to choose Google Workspace are that you can access your documents from any web browser, you can collaborate in real time on documents with colleagues and you get a complete record of all versions of your documents, so you can restore pretty much anything you want, if needed. However Microsoft office still remains the top choice – if only because most users are familiar with using it.
What do you think, will you be moving your business software from Microsoft to Google? Let us know your thoughts on Linkedin.
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