Microsoft Office has long been the staple for both small and big businesses for years, but after a great deal competition arose, it is not the same simple choice as it once was. According to Business Insider, it is a toss up between Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps.
Microsoft Office has been the leader in the office software world for quite sometime - until the internet opened a number of doors for other software developers. Partially as a marketing ploy, Microsoft has openly dismissed Google as being a competitor to their Office software suite, but after releasing numerous other options including Microsoft 365, Office 2012 and Windows 8, it is clear many business owners are having a tough time deciding which is good for them, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Some company owners find deciding between the various types of software - especially Google Apps and Microsoft Office, to be a small business challenge. However, after breaking down the two, it may be easier for small business owners to decide which is best for their company.
Looking at cost, the paid version of Google Apps with no advertising and support is $50 a person each year. This is compared with 365, which is between $50 and $100, and is determined by what features the owner is looking for, according to Business Insider.
However, the price is not the only factor to consider. Businesses that have been using Microsoft Office software for a long time and rely on some of the features it provides, may want to simply stick with Microsoft. According to the news source, the transition from Office software to online services with 365 is extremely easy.
The small business that are just starting out may benefit from Google Apps, especially if they are just looking for email, chat, file sharing and the basic office software. This will give the small business everything it needs to begin, plus there are a slew of free or cheap tools that are easily available and of good quality, the media outlet reports.
After comparing the two, it simply depends on what the individual business needs to be more efficient.