Question
I have strong experience using the Google Suite for business and academic productivity. Why should I use Microsoft 365 instead?
Answer
Google Vs. Microsoft Feature Comparison
Cloud computing has become a major platform for data storage, collaboration, and communication. Google and Microsoft, both having competing applications, can accomplish business and academic goals. At YSU, we recognize that our students, faculty, and staff may have experience in one or both platforms. Using outside platforms such as Google for university data and business presents a security and support risk. YSU provides Microsoft 365 as part of your user experience. At YSU, the provided Microsoft 365 subscription should be used for university business and data storage. The University does not provide support for Google products. Below is a comparison of each platform.
Google Vs. Microsoft Comparison Chart
The following table provides scenario and process-based comparisons to accomplish business or academic objectives.
| Scenario, Use-Case, or Processed Based Actions |
Google Cloud |
Microsoft 365 |
| YSU Security & Storage Considerations |
Not supported by YSU, presents a security and support risk. |
Supported by YSU and backed by Microsoft support & security standards. |
| Data gathering, such as a digital form. Can be used for applications, registrations, surveys, and more |
Forms |
Forms |
| Personal, cloud-based storage. |
Google Drive |
OneDrive |
| Departmental, committee or organization storage. |
Google Drive |
Teams |
| Shared email address that everyone in the departments or organization can access. |
Gmail |
Outlook- shared inbox |
| Shared files, folders, or multimedia internally at YSU or externally for collaboration outside of the University. |
Google Drive |
OneDrive |
| Committee, organization, or Departmental collaboration and file sharing. |
Google Drive |
Teams or OneDrive |
| Web Conferencing internally and/or externally. |
Meet |
Teams |
| Word Processing |
Docs |
Word |
| Spreadsheets |
Sheets |
Excel |
| Presentations |
Slides |
PowerPoint |
| Quick, on the go, note taking |
Keep |
OneNote |
| Calendaring |
Calendar |
Outlook |
| Mobile Device Access- Accessing your cloud storage on a phone or tablet. |
Drive App |
OneDrive App |
Google Vs. Microsoft Comparison Table
All university personnel are expected to follow the University Guidelines for Data Storage. Please review the Microsoft Security statements for cloud storage.
This list is not exhaustive and there may be scenarios and solutions not yet identified. Please visit YSU IT Training Services for consultations and training workshops. For general questions, email ITTraining@ysu.edu.