Hey everyone! I work at a small nonprofit, and we're at a crossroads trying to decide whether to stick with Google Workspace or switch completely to Microsoft 365. So far, we've been using a mix of tools; most of our team has been relying on personal Google accounts since they're quite user-friendly for us. However, we've also enjoyed access to a basic version of Microsoft 365 for free, but Microsoft is about to stop offering that.
We're considering the costs: $5.50/month for Microsoft 365 (not sure if that's per user or device) vs. $6.50/month for Google Workspace. Our new Executive Director, who has a lot of experience in bigger organizations, is leaning towards Microsoft for its robust features, but I'm not sure if it's the best fit for a small team like ours. I haven't been present for the discussions with the representatives from either Microsoft or Google to ask the detailed questions myself, so I'm looking for insights from anyone with similar experiences.
Here's what I need to understand better:
1. **Public Sharing**: We often link documents from our website without requiring users to log in. Can OneDrive or SharePoint do this?
2. **File Syncing**: If we link a doc in multiple places in Google, it updates everywhere automatically. Does Microsoft handle this similarly?
3. **Forms to Sheets to Maps**: We utilize Google Forms to gather data which connects to Sheets and maps. Does Microsoft have an equivalent? Would Power BI be part of the package?
4. **Access without Microsoft Accounts**: For our students and families, being able to access links without needing an account is crucial. Can Microsoft accommodate this?
5. **Device Limits**: We often use various devices for fieldwork. Does one license cover all devices for Microsoft?
6. **Learning Curve**: Transitioning without an IT department or much time for training makes me wonder how steep the learning curve would be switching to Microsoft 365 from Google tools. Any help or experiences you can share would be amazing! Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
I’d say M365 has the edge for enterprise-grade features, but if you don’t have IT staff to manage it, sticking with Google Workspace may be simpler. G Suite is generally easier to manage and requires less maintenance, especially for small teams without much tech expertise.
I was a sysadmin for M365, and while public sharing is possible, setting up everything can be a hassle—especially without dedicated IT support. If you're not used to it, the transition can be a bit rough. I’d stick with what everyone is comfortable using unless you have a very good reason to switch.
That’s my worry too! I appreciate you sharing your experience. It’s a lot to consider, but I think staying with Google for now might be the safest bet.
Here’s a quick breakdown for your questions:
1. OneDrive/SharePoint can allow public sharing if permissions are set to "anyone."
2. Files sync across links, as they behave similarly to Google Docs in that sense.
3. Microsoft Forms can create Excel files, but linking to maps isn’t as seamless as with Google.
4. Yes, you can set it up for easy access without needing a Microsoft account.
5. Licensing usually covers up to 5 devices, but web-based versions don’t have that limitation.
6. Learning curve really depends on your team; the basic functions are similar enough that it shouldn’t be overwhelming. Most people are usually familiar with Word or Excel from personal use, but some might need time to adapt.
Awesome insights! We rely heavily on maps too, so it's good to know Microsoft might require more work for that aspect. Appreciate the breakdown!
Thanks for clarifying! Sounds like we have a bit of a learning curve ahead whether we go with Microsoft or stick to Google.
As a nonprofit, you might be eligible for grants for Microsoft 365 business basic licenses—all web apps included, just not local versions. Check it out [here](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/nonprofits/microsoft-365).
For nonprofits, Microsoft has attractive pricing, around $7/month for the premium option, which includes many features you'd find useful!
That’s actually what I moved us to at my nonprofit, and it saved us a lot on separate apps while providing great features!
Exactly! G Suite is user-friendly for small teams, while M365 can be complex without guidance. I’ve been an admin on both, and that's been my experience too!