Overview of M365 and Google

The primary difference between Google and M365 is how the tools are organized and how they work together: 

  • Google is web-first and app-based - each tool (Gmail, Drive, Docs, etc.) runs separately in a browser tab. Collaboration is easy, but the tools feel disconnected. 
  • Microsoft offers a more unified experience - Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and others are built to work together and can be accessed individually or in one place, through Teams, which brings chat, meetings, files, and tasks into a single hub. All of the M365 tools are covered by Microsoft’s enhanced security features. 

In short: 

  • Google is a collection of apps. 
  • Microsoft is a connected workspace.

Microsoft key benefits:

  • Access Anywhere, Anytime: Work online or offline with Microsoft desktop apps and mobile apps synced to the cloud. Provides a seamless transition between devices and locations. 
  • Advanced Security: Microsoft 365 offers enhanced data protection for all its products, which is crucial for our data needs. 
  • Effortless Integration: Microsoft tools like Copilot, Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel are tightly connected, streamlining creation, communication, scheduling, and document sharing. 
  • Familiar Interfaces: Many users already know Microsoft Office basics like Word and Excel. 
  • Better Collaboration: Teams allows real-time chat, video meetings, file sharing, and co-editing - centralized in one app. 
  • Always Updated: All updates are automatic, giving users the most updated version.  

Tools You Know

From This

To This!

Description

Google Chat
Google Meet
G and H Drives
...and many more

 Teams†

 Combines messaging, meetings, and app integration in one place. Many of the services below can be accessed through Teams.

G Drive
Google Drive

 OneDrive (for Business)†
 Employee's individual cloud storage. It saves your files online, so you can access them from any device, anywhere, and easily share them.
H Drive
Insider (Internal Communication)		 SharePoint†
 Platform for organization's communication and document libraries. It’s used to store, organize, and manage group files and workflows. Features team sites and communication sites. 

Gmail
Google Calendar
Google Contacts

 Outlook†

 Email, calendar, contacts, and tasks all in one place. Used for daily communication and scheduling meetings.
Google Docs Word†
 Familiar word processor for creating documents, reports, letters, and more.
Google Sheets Excel†
 Familiar spreadsheet tool for working with data, calculations, charts, and tracking. Includes the more advanced formula capabilities and data analytics.
Google Slides PowerPoint†
 Presentation tool for creating slideshows with text, images, audio, and video.
PowerBI PowerBI†
 Powerful data visualization and analytics tool to create interactive reports and dashboards from various data sources.
Google Keep OneNote†
 Digital notebook for organizing notes, ideas, and to-do lists. You can type, draw, and clip content from the web.
Google Forms Forms*
 Create surveys, quizzes, and polls. Results are collected in real time and can be viewed or exported to Excel.

*Does not have a standalone desktop app.   
†Mobile app available.

New Tools

Service

Description
Copilot*† AI app to assist with creation across M365 tools. AI chat is built into most M365 apps.
Power Automate Desktop Automate repetitive tasks on your computer, such as file handling, data entry, or app navigation; no coding needed. Merge PDFs in a couple clicks!
Lists† Track information like tasks, assets, or events. Customizable templates are available for use with new file share sites (formerly H Drive).
Loop* Real-time, editable components like task lists and notes that stay synced and shared across Teams, Outlook, and other M365 apps.
Planner*† Simple project/task management tool for teams. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress visually.
To Do† Personal task manager for keeping track of daily work and personal goals. Syncs across devices.
...AND MANY MORE!
Click on “More apps” to explore!

*Does not have a standalone desktop app.   
†Mobile app available.