Why Microsoft 365 is Better Than Google Workspace for Business (Especially Healthcare & HME Providers)

If you’re running a business, you know how important it is to have the right tools to keep things running smoothly. Whether it’s email, document collaboration, or keeping your customer data secure, your choice of business software matters—a lot!

For years, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace have been the top contenders when it comes to business productivity tools. But they’re not created equal—especially for businesses in regulated industries like healthcare, home medical equipment (HME) and others that deal with sensitive information.

Microsoft 365 stands out as the better choice for businesses that prioritize security, compliance, and full-featured applications. Meanwhile, Google Workspace has major limitations, including privacy concerns that could violate HIPAA compliance for healthcare-related businesses.

Let’s break it down and help you make the right choice for your business.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft 365 is more secure—it doesn’t scan your data, unlike Google Workspace.
• HIPAA compliance matters—Google's data collection could be a serious violation for healthcare businesses.
• You get full-featured business tools—Google's web-only apps can’t compete with Microsoft’s desktop + cloud approach.
• Better collaboration & support—Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Outlook work seamlessly together.
• More value for your money—for a similar price, Microsoft 365 offers stronger security and better tools.

Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace: A Quick Comparison

Before diving into specifics, let’s look at a side-by-side comparison of the two platforms:

Bottom Line:

If your business handles sensitive data, needs better security, or just wants stronger tools, Microsoft 365 is the better choice.

1. Google Workspace’s Data Scanning is a Huge Security Risk

One of the biggest red flags with Google Workspace is its data scanning practices.

• Google scans user data to improve ads and refine its AI models (yes, even in Google Workspace).
• Even paid business users are subject to data collection.
• This is a serious issue for any business dealing with sensitive information and could be a HIPAA violation.

How This Affects HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA requires strict data privacy rules, meaning healthcare businesses cannot use services that expose data to third parties.

• Google Workspace does not offer the same level of security controls as Microsoft 365.
• Using Google’s free services (like Gmail) can expose patient or customer data to unauthorized access—a major HIPAA violation.

Example: A healthcare provider using Google Drive for patient files could unknowingly violate HIPAA if Google scans that data—even if they don’t serve ads to you.

Solution: Microsoft 365 is fully HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2-compliant, offering enterprise-level security and zero data scanning.

2. Microsoft 365’s Enterprise-Grade Security & Compliance

When it comes to security and compliance, Microsoft 365 is built for businesses—especially those in regulated industries.

Why Businesses Trust Microsoft 365:

• HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 compliance for healthcare and finance industries (Google Workspace doesn’t guarantee this).
• End-to-end encryption to keep your emails and files protected.
• Advanced threat protection to prevent phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure business accounts.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to prevent leaks of sensitive information.

Security Features That Google Lacks:

Bottom Line:

If keeping your business data secure matters, Microsoft 365 wins.

3. Microsoft 365 Offers Better Productivity Tools for Businesses

Google Workspace’s apps are web-based and lack advanced features, which is fine for personal use, but not ideal for business use. Meanwhile, Microsoft 365 offers full-featured business applications that integrate seamlessly.

Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace Business Apps:

• Microsoft 365 includes both desktop AND web versions of Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Google’s apps are web-only, meaning you lose advanced features like pivot tables in Excel.
• Microsoft Teams is a business powerhouse—Google Meet just doesn’t compare.
• OneDrive integrates with Windows and Office apps, while Google Drive lacks deep desktop integration.

Example: A home medical equipment provider switched from Google Docs to Microsoft Word and saw a 30% productivity increase due to better formatting tools and Excel’s advanced calculations.

Need seamless business tools? Microsoft 365 delivers a fully integrated experience. Call us today to switch!
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4. Microsoft 365 Delivers More Value for Your Money

Many businesses assume Google Workspace is the cheaper option—but in reality, Microsoft 365 provides more value for a similar cost.

Key Takeaway:

For just 50 cents more per month, Microsoft 365 gives businesses more features, stronger security, and better productivity tools.

Thinking of switching? Let VGM Forbin handle your migration! Contact us today.
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5. Why Now is the Time to Switch to Microsoft 365

If your company still uses Google Workspace, it’s time to reevaluate your IT strategy. With cybersecurity risks rising, businesses need to be prioritizing security and compliance more than ever.

Top Reasons to Switch Now:

• Cyber threats are rising—and Google’s security just isn’t enough.
• HIPAA compliance is stricter than ever—don’t risk fines or breaches.
• Microsoft 365 is an all-in-one solution—better security, collaboration, and business tools.

How VGM Forbin Can Help:

• We handle your migration from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365—hassle-free.
• Our Managed IT services keep your business secure and running smoothly.
• Ongoing support so your team gets the most out of M365.

Call our IT Account Executive, Jeremy Heidemann, today at (319) 206-9435 or book a quick, 30-minute M365 consultation with him using the button below!
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Final Thoughts: The Smart Choice for Your Business

If your business values security, compliance, and better productivity tools, then Microsoft 365 is the best choice.

• No data scanning—unlike Google Workspace.
• HIPAA-compliant security for healthcare & regulated industries.
• Better business apps & collaboration tools.