Small firms often ask which one to use. Either works well, and the way you set it up matters more than which one you pick.
Where each tends to fit
Microsoft 365 suits firms that live in Word, Excel and Outlook, that exchange a lot of documents with clients who also use Office, or that need desktop apps and tight control over devices and sharing.
Google Workspace suits firms that work mostly in a browser, collaborate on documents in real time, and want a simpler set of tools and admin settings.
The questions that actually decide it
- What do your clients and partners use? Fewer format conversions means fewer problems.
- What does your key software connect to? Check your accounting, practice or project tool before you decide.
- Who will manage it? A simpler admin console is a real advantage if nobody on staff is technical.
- What are your confidentiality needs? Both can be configured well, but not by default.
What matters more than the choice
- Sharing rules: who can see which folders, and can links be shared outside the firm?
- Sign-in security: two-step sign-in for everyone, and a clear process when someone leaves.
- Folder structure: a consistent, simple layout that everyone follows.
- Backups and retention: what is kept, for how long, and who can restore it.
If you get these four right, almost any automation you add later will be easier and safer.
When to get help
If your setup grew by accident, a short tidy-up often pays off. I help with both platforms. Get in touch if you would like a second opinion.