09 Oct

SharePoint vs. Google Drive: Which is Right for Your Business?

09 October 2023

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the need for efficient and secure document management and collaboration tools is paramount. Two leading contenders in this space are Microsoft’s SharePoint and Google Drive. Both offer powerful features, but they cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between SharePoint and Google Drive, helping you determine which is the right choice for your business.

SharePoint Overview

Microsoft SharePoint is a robust collaboration platform integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite. It serves as a centralized hub for document storage, sharing, and collaboration, enhancing teamwork and communication within organizations. SharePoint is designed to streamline business processes and foster a collaborative environment, making it a go-to choice for enterprises globally.

Google Drive Overview

Google Drive is Google’s cloud-based file storage and synchronization service. Part of the Google Workspace, Google Drive provides a seamless experience for users to create, store, and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It emphasizes real-time collaboration, reflecting Google’s commitment to simplicity and accessibility.

SharePoint vs. Google Drive – A Quick Comparison

Let’s start by summarizing the key differences between SharePoint and Google Drive in a table format. This will provide you with a quick overview before we dive into the details.

Aspect	SharePoint	Google Drive
Ownership & Licensing	Proprietary software requiring licensing	Cloud-based, often free for individuals
Document Management	Robust document versioning and metadata support	Basic document storage
Collaboration Features	Advanced collaboration tools, including MS Teams integration	Real-time co-editing, Google Workspace integration
Security	Extensive security features, including Azure AD integration	Strong security with Google Workspace
Customization	Highly customizable with SharePoint Designer	Limited customization options
Integration with MS Office	Seamless integration with Office 365	Native integration with Google Workspace
Scalability	Scalable for businesses of all sizes	Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
Cost	Licensing costs can be significant	Affordable, especially for small teams
Mobile Accessibility	Mobile apps available for iOS and Android	Mobile apps for iOS and Android

Now that we have a snapshot of the differences let’s take a closer look at each aspect.

Ownership & Licensing

SharePoint is a proprietary software offered as part of the Microsoft 365 suite. It requires licensing, making it more suitable for organizations willing to invest in a comprehensive productivity suite.

On the other hand, Google Drive is cloud-based and often comes with free storage for individuals. This makes it an attractive option for smaller businesses and startups looking to minimize initial costs.

Document Management

SharePoint document management system offering robust versioning capabilities and extensive support for metadata. It’s an ideal choice for organizations that deal with complex document workflows and require in-depth tracking of document changes.

Google Drive, while functional, provides basic document storage without the advanced versioning and metadata features found in SharePoint.

Collaboration Features

Both platforms offer collaboration features, but they differ in their approach. SharePoint, integrated into Microsoft 365, offers a robust collaboration environment. Its seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like Teams, Power BI, and Power Apps enhances teamwork and productivity.

Google Drive, instead, focuses on real-time co-editing and integrates with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), providing a comprehensive set of productivity applications.

Mobile Accessibility

SharePoint vs Google Drive offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, ensuring that users can access their documents and collaborate on the go. This mobile accessibility is essential in today’s mobile-driven work environment.

Security

When it comes to security, both SharePoint and Google Drive take data protection seriously. SharePoint offers extensive security features, including integration with Azure Active Directory (AD), making it a preferred choice for larger enterprises with strict security requirements.

Google Drive, backed by Google Workspace, also provides robust security measures, ensuring the safety of your data in the cloud.

Customization

SharePoint offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to create tailored solutions. Power Platforms, Power BI, and Power Apps contribute to a highly adaptable environment.

Google Drive provides flexibility, but SharePoint’s customization capabilities may be more comprehensive for businesses with specific requirements.

Integration with MS Office

For organizations heavily reliant on Microsoft Office applications, SharePoint’s seamless integration with Office 365 is a significant advantage. This integration streamlines document creation, editing, and sharing.

Google Drive, as expected, natively integrates with Google Workspace, making it a convenient choice for users of Google’s productivity suite.

Scalability

SharePoint is scalable and suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. Its flexibility allows it to adapt to the changing needs of an organization.

Google Drive, while scalable to some extent, is more suited for small to medium-sized businesses.

Cost Considerations

Unlike Google Drive, SharePoint does not offer a free plan. The entry point for SharePoint services begins at $5 per user per month. This basic plan includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage for each user.

Conversely, Google Drive provides users with a free plan, albeit with limited storage. For those requiring more robust features and unlimited storage, Google Drive’s paid plans start at $6 per user per month, offering a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

SharePoint vs Google Drive: Which is Right for Your Business?

Choose SharePoint If:

• You require robust document management with advanced versioning and metadata support.
• Integration with Microsoft Teams is essential for your collaboration needs.
• Your organization prioritizes extensive customization options and has the budget for licensing.

Choose Google Drive If:

• You are a small to medium-sized business looking for an affordable and user-friendly solution.
• Real-time co-editing and integration with Google Workspace align with your collaboration requirements.
• You prefer a cloud-based solution with minimal upfront costs.

 

At last, the choice between SharePoint and Google Drive hinges on your business’s unique needs and preferences. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we are well-versed in implementing SharePoint solutions tailored to diverse business landscapes. Contact us to explore how SharePoint can be a strategic asset for your organization.