When you’re building a startup, your choice of technology can either support fast growth or cause costly roadblocks. Among the biggest early decisions is which productivity suite to invest in: Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.

Both platforms offer powerful tools for communication, collaboration, and productivity — but they differ in structure, strengths, and complexity. The good news? You don’t have to make the decision alone. With the right managed IT support, the setup, migration, and long-term management of either platform can be seamless.

Here’s what you need to consider when choosing between M365 and Google Workspace — and how a trusted IT partner makes all the difference.

Collaboration: How Your Team Works Together

Startups thrive on fast, effective communication. Your platform needs to support real-time collaboration, flexible working, and client interaction — without friction.

Microsoft 365:

• Familiar tools like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
• Deep integration with Windows-based systems
• Strong offline access and desktop functionality

Google Workspace:

• Cloud-native apps like Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and Meet
• Real-time collaboration is seamless across teams
• Lightweight, browser-based access ideal for remote work

If your team is used to Microsoft tools or works heavily with spreadsheets and large documents, M365 might feel more robust. On the other hand, Google Workspace is often favoured for its simplicity and speed, especially among younger, cloud-first teams.

Security and Compliance: Protecting What Matters Most

Startups in professional services can’t afford data breaches or compliance missteps. Whether you handle sensitive client data, financial records, or regulated information, security needs to be baked in from day one.

Microsoft 365:

• Advanced threat protection and identity management
• Enterprise-level encryption and compliance tools
• More granular control for larger or more regulated teams

Google Workspace:

• Strong default security with two-step verification and encryption
• Centralised admin control and device management
• Simpler for smaller teams, but can scale with the right setup

Both platforms are secure — but that security is only as strong as your configuration. That’s where managed IT comes in. A good partner doesn’t just enable security features — they proactively monitor, patch, and defend your systems around the clock.

Cost: Predictability Matters

Startups need cost certainty. Overspending on tech or hitting hidden licensing costs later can derail your budget.

Microsoft 365:

• Tiered pricing with flexible add-ons
• Can become complex as your team scales
• Licences often include robust features that smaller teams might not fully use at first

Google Workspace:

• Straightforward, transparent pricing
• Lower initial cost for small teams
• Simpler feature set for early-stage startups

A managed IT provider helps you make sense of the real total cost — not just monthly licence fees, but support, migration, backup, and ongoing troubleshooting. With a fixed-cost model, you know exactly what you’re paying month to month, without surprises.

How Managed IT Support Makes the Decision Easier

Choosing a platform is just the beginning. You also need to get your team set up, migrate existing data, manage permissions, train users, and ensure everything runs smoothly from day one.

With Support Stack as your managed IT partner, you get:

• Expert advice to match the right platform to your business goals
• Full setup and secure migration — zero downtime, zero stress
• Proactive support to fix issues before they disrupt your team
• Transparent pricing that includes everything — no hidden fees

Whether you choose Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, Support Stack makes sure your decision pays off. You get the tools you need, without the tech headaches you don’t.

Sleep Easy, We’ve Got IT Covered

This isn’t about software — it’s about your business running without interruption. It’s about peace of mind, knowing your systems are secure, your costs are predictable, and your startup can scale with confidence.

Need help deciding between M365 and Google Workspace? Let’s talk. We’ll guide you to the right fit — and take care of everything from there.

Book your free IT consultation today.