Choosing between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace often starts with a checklist of features. But if you’re leading a professional services firm, your decision should go deeper than that. It’s not just about apps – it’s about how each platform shapes collaboration, protects your data, and supports the way your team works day-to-day. The right fit isn’t always about the toolset; it’s about the ecosystem that fits your business culture and operations.

Here’s how to think beyond the bullet points and choose the right platform for your firm.

Collaboration Style and Company Culture

Every team works differently. Some thrive on structure and legacy tools. Others move fast and favour flexibility. Understanding your firm’s preferred way of working is key to selecting the right platform.

Microsoft 365 might suit you if:

• Your team relies heavily on Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• You value structured workflows and version control through tools like SharePoint.
• Your firm has well-established processes and a preference for desktop applications.

Google Workspace might be a better fit if:

• Your team collaborates in real time and needs fast, browser-based tools.
• You value simplicity and minimal IT overhead.
• You’re a cloud-first business looking for easy scalability and shared access.

Neither platform is strictly better – the best choice depends on how your team communicates, shares information, and manages documents across the day.

Security and Compliance Considerations

Security is non-negotiable for law firms, accountants, and consultants handling sensitive client data. Both Microsoft and Google invest heavily in enterprise-grade security, but their approaches differ slightly.

Microsoft 365 offers:

• Advanced threat protection through Microsoft Defender.
• Granular admin controls ideal for compliance-heavy environments.
• Seamless integration with Windows-based infrastructure.

Google Workspace provides:

• Zero-trust security architecture, built for cloud-native teams.
• Automated data loss prevention (DLP) and secure email features.
• Continuous updates without user intervention.

Ultimately, both platforms can meet industry compliance requirements – but managing and maintaining that security setup properly is what really makes the difference.

Operational Fit and IT Overhead

It’s not just about how the platform works – it’s about how much work it takes to keep it working.

Considerations include:

• Licensing predictability: Microsoft 365 tends to offer a wider range of licence types, while Google Workspace keeps pricing simpler and more unified.
• Admin control: Microsoft provides more extensive backend customisation, which can be a plus or a burden depending on your in-house expertise.
• Downtime risk and support needs: Both platforms are reliable, but issues happen. That’s where the right IT support partner becomes essential.

Why Managed IT Support Still Matters

Whichever platform you choose, your firm shouldn’t be left managing it alone. Configuration, cybersecurity, backup, user management, training – it’s a lot to take on internally, especially without a dedicated IT department.

With Support Stack’s fixed-cost, all-inclusive managed IT support, you get:

• Expert guidance on which platform fits your firm’s operational needs.
• Ongoing management, updates, and support to keep everything running smoothly.
• Cybersecurity built into your day-to-day tools, not bolted on as an afterthought.
• A single, strategic partner – not multiple vendors or one-off providers.

You’ll sleep better knowing your tech is protected, your team is supported, and your IT costs are predictable – no surprises, no jargon, no stress.

Making the Right Choice for Your Firm

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace both offer powerful ecosystems. But only one will truly align with how your firm operates, collaborates, and protects client data. Take the time to consider:

• How your team prefers to work
• What level of security oversight you need
• Whether you have internal capacity to manage the platform—or need a partner to take it off your plate

Need help deciding? Support Stack offers a free consultation to help you evaluate your current setup, identify risks, and guide you toward the best-fit platform for your culture and business goals.

Focus on growing your firm – we’ll handle the IT.