Some of us might wonder, what does the world use outside of the government network? This article gives a comparison of MS 365 and Google Docs. As we consider next steps, working for another company, starting our own business or nothing at all - we might want to know what to use outside of Microsoft Office. 

Microsoft Office 365 vs. Google Docs: A Comparison of Pros and Cons

With the rise of remote work, cloud-based productivity tools have become increasingly important. Two of the most popular options are Microsoft Office 365 and Google Docs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each platform to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Microsoft Office 365 Pros:

1. Familiar interface: Office 365 is based on the familiar Microsoft Office suite, which has been around for over 30 years. This makes it a great choice for users who are already comfortable with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
2. Power and versatility: Office 365 includes powerful applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as email, collaboration, and team communication tools. This makes it a great choice for businesses that need to create, edit, and collaborate on complex documents.
3. Integration with other Microsoft products: Office 365 integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as OneDrive and Teams, making it a great choice for businesses that already use Microsoft products.

Cons:

1. Cost: Office 365 can be expensive, especially for businesses with many users. The cost can quickly add up, especially if you need to purchase additional storage or services.
2. Complexity: Office 365 can be complex to set up and use, especially for businesses that are new to cloud-based productivity tools. It may also require additional training for users who are unfamiliar with the Microsoft Office suite.

Google Docs Pros:

1. Cost: Google Docs is free for individual users and is significantly less expensive than Office 365 for businesses.
2. Ease of use: Google Docs is easy to set up and use, with a simple and intuitive interface. This makes it a great choice for businesses that are new to cloud-based productivity tools.
3. Collaboration: Google Docs includes powerful collaboration features, such as real-time editing, commenting, and version control. This makes it a great choice for businesses that need to collaborate on documents in real-time.

Cons:

1. Limited features: While Google Docs is a great choice for basic document editing, it doesn’t include the same level of power and versatility as Office 365. This makes it a poor choice for businesses that need to create, edit, and collaborate on complex documents.
2. Integration: Google Docs doesn’t integrate as well with other Google products, such as Gmail, as Office 365 integrates with Microsoft products. This can be a disadvantage for businesses that use Google products.

In conclusion, both Microsoft Office 365 and Google Docs have their pros and cons. Office 365 is a powerful and versatile platform that is well-suited for businesses that need to create, edit, and collaborate on complex documents. However, it can be expensive and complex to use. Google Docs is a simpler and more affordable platform that is easy to use and includes powerful collaboration features. However, it has limited features and doesn’t integrate as well with other Google products. The best platform for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget.