Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace do the same jobs with different names. Learn the concept once, then map it to whichever suite your organization uses, or both.
| Job | Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | Word | Docs |
| Spreadsheets | Excel | Sheets |
| Presentations | PowerPoint | Slides |
| Personal files | OneDrive | My Drive |
| Team files | SharePoint / Teams files | Shared drives |
| Email and calendar | Outlook | Gmail and Calendar |
| Chat and meetings | Teams | Chat and Meet |
| Forms | Microsoft Forms | Google Forms |
| Automation | Power Automate, Office Scripts, VBA | Apps Script, AppSheet |
Desktop, web and mobile
Microsoft’s desktop apps are the most fully featured; the web versions are excellent for collaboration but lack some advanced features. Google’s apps are web-first. Knowing which version you are in explains many “where did that option go?” moments.
Cloud files change how you work
In both suites, the modern way to work is one file in the cloud that everyone opens, not copies sent by email. Version history records every change, and links replace attachments.
Try this
List the five tasks you do most often at work and note which app you use for each, and its equivalent in the other suite.