Businesses are dropping Microsoft 365 in favor of Google, but if the ROI is no different, why are people switching?
Switching software vendors only makes sense in a few, very limited scenarios, and even then, things could all be about to change.
New research suggests that businesses moving from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace aren't saving much money. Despite Google's offerings often being cheaper, Gartner's Domenico Scriva claims many companies are switching due to dissatisfaction with Microsoft, without considering the return on investment. The Microsoft E5 plan includes additional features like telephony, security, and operating system licenses, which are not part of Google's Workspace.
Even with Google's Gemini included and Copilot as an extra cost, Google still comes out $2 more expensive per month. However, Google Workspace might be more cost-effective for Mac and Chromebook users since these devices typically last longer and are cheaper to purchase. This could indicate a shift in hardware preferences due to Google's lower costs.
Nevertheless, the cost-saving potential may be undermined by the time and expense required to retrain staff on new software. Gartner advises that companies should evaluate specific business outcomes rather than making hasty software migrations. As AI continues to reshape the software landscape, waiting out an alternative option might be the best strategy.
Written by urgent.news from TechRadar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
