Microsoft 365 v Google Docs

When it comes to spreadsheets, documents, and all of the other tools that you use to manage your business, there are two choices that excel above all others; Microsoft Office 365 and the G-Suite, which includes the ever-popular Google Docs.

Both platforms contain a huge assortment of features and they have many benefits associated with using them. However, which one is right for you? The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer. It is about carefully comparing both options and thinking about your business’ needs. This will enable you to determine which platform is going to be most suitable for you and your team.


To make that decision a lot easier, we have gathered all of the information you need and we are going to present it below so that you can get a better understanding of the differences between the two.


Which has the better productivity suite?

Both platforms have a great productivity suite, and they have the same basic core applications. They all have note-taking, messaging, and videoconferencing software, as well as contacts, calendar, email, presentation, spreadsheet, and word processing programs.


However, while the core of these applications is similar, the way they work is quite different from one and other. The word and spreadsheets are probably most akin, but even then there are some different features. For example, a lot of people prefer Google Docs because of the auto-save feature and the ease at which you can share your files with other people within your team. On the flip side, though, this can lead people to prefer the privacy that Microsoft Office brings.


How much do you have to pay for G-Suite and Microsoft Office 365?

Money is always a concern for all businesses, and every expenditure needs to be scrutinised carefully. The truth is that you do not actually have to pay anything for a lot of the apps. You can access Google Slides, Sheets, and Google Docs free of charge, for example. You can also access the online version of PowerPoint, Excel, and Microsoft Word for free, yet you cannot use the desktop version for free.


Despite there being free options available, a lot of businesses would be better off looking into the paid subscription models because of the extra features, support, and security that are provided. The free versions only tend to be suitable for small businesses.


Pricing structures differ for each platform. Google Suite, for example, has a three-tier system, offering a Basic, Business, and Enterprise package. The Enterprise package is the most comprehensive, with access to everything from access control and data loss prevention.


Microsoft Office 365 offers a larger number of packages. This can make it complicated, but it also means you’re more likely to find something that is right for you. The most basic version is the Business Essentials Plan. You then have the Standard Business Plan and the Business Premium Plan. Seems simple, enough, right? However, the company has also built four different plans for much bigger organisations; ProPlus, E1, E3, and E5.


What email system is right for you?

Another factor that all businesses will want to consider is the email service that is available. After all, sending emails is a basic thing that all companies need to do! It all depends on what you are looking for from an email provider. If it is simplicity you are interested in, you will prefer Gmail. The interface is less cluttered and a lot cleaner than the default email setting with Outlook, providing a great balance between powerful features and ease-of-use.


Nevertheless, if it is power features you are interested in, Outlook takes the crown. One of the best features here is the Focused Inbox, which enables you to see your most important emails first so that you can respond to them quickly. There is also the Clean Up feature, which does an excellent job of simplifying long email threads so they can be followed with ease.


So there you have it: an insight into the Microsoft Office 365 and G-Suite offerings. As you can see, there are plenty of benefits that are associated with both, and so it is all about thinking about your business and your day-to-day requirements so you can determine which solution is going to be better for your team.

What an AI Agent Can Do for a UK Small Business

December 2, 2025
AI tools are everywhere at the moment, but for most small businesses the real question is simple: can this actually help us day to day? The answer, increasingly, is yes. AI agents are becoming a practical, affordable way for UK SMBs to lighten workloads, improve responsiveness and strengthen their cyber security without adding to headcount. Here’s what they can realistically take off your plate. Take the admin you never get time for Most small teams lose hours each week to tasks like updating spreadsheets, booking meetings, chasing invoices or sorting inbox clutter. An AI agent can handle these automatically in the background — consistently, accurately and without needing to be chased. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about giving them space to focus on the work that actually moves the business forward. Improve customer response times Customers expect fast answers, even when your team is busy or out on site. AI agents can deal with routine enquiries, provide updates, and pass more complex queries straight to the right person. You stay responsive, your team stays sane, and nothing gets forgotten in the rush. Add another layer of cyber protection Cyber threats are rising across the UK, and many of the attacks we’re seeing at Cranborne start with human error — a missed warning sign, a convincing phishing email, or an unusual login that doesn’t get spotted in time. An AI agent can monitor activity in the background and raise a flag the moment something looks suspicious. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s an extra pair of eyes when you need it most. Support sales and marketing without extra staff From following up with leads to drafting emails and analysing which campaigns actually worked, AI agents help small businesses stay consistent. They don’t replace your voice or your expertise — they simply keep the wheels turning so opportunities don’t slip through the cracks. Help you make better decisions, faster Instead of digging through systems for data, an AI agent can pull together quick reports, highlight trends and spot issues early. That means business owners get clearer visibility without spending evenings trawling through spreadsheets. The takeaway AI agents aren’t a gimmick. Used well, they become part of the team — handling the repetitive, the routine and the time-consuming. For UK SMBs under pressure to do more with less, they offer a straightforward way to improve efficiency, strengthen security and give your people their time back.

The 2026 IT Priorities UK SMBs Can’t Ignore

December 2, 2025
2026 will be a defining year for UK small and medium businesses. Technology is no longer just a background function – it shapes resilience, productivity, and competitiveness. At Cranborne Tech, we see this first-hand across care providers, financial services, retail, and non-profits. The organisations moving forward are the ones treating IT as a strategic enabler, not a cost centre. 1. Cybersecurity First: A Zero-Trust Reality Cyber threats continue to rise, and insurers now require demonstrable controls. SMBs must embed Zero Trust principles: MFA everywhere, continuous monitoring, dark web monitoring and phishing simulations as part of regular staff training. Security is now the foundation of every digital decision. 2. AI-Driven Productivity AI is now built into everyday tools like Microsoft 365. SMBs can save hours each week through automated reporting, meeting summaries, documentation support, and enhanced customer service workflows. Responsible governance and staff training must sit alongside adoption. 3. Cloud Cost Control Licensing and cloud waste became a major issue in 2024–2025. In 2026, SMBs should focus on rationalising tools, removing unused subscriptions, and right-sizing backup and cloud storage plans. A cleaner, more efficient cloud estate lowers costs and reduces complexity. 4. Modernising Infrastructure Cloud environments are now the default, although hybrid is still operational where needed. SMBs need reliable networks, standardised devices, secure remote access, and infrastructure capable of supporting AI-driven workloads. Modernisation boosts stability and improves user experience. 5. Business Continuity That Works Backups alone aren’t enough. SMBs need recoverability: encrypted cloud backups, offline copies, documented disaster recovery plans, and regular testing. Insurers and partners increasingly expect evidence, not assumptions. 6. Compliance and Governance Maturity Clear policies, documented patching, supplier assurance, and ongoing training form the baseline for regulated sectors. Mature governance builds trust and removes friction during audits or contract renewals. 7. Employee Experience Through IT Smooth onboarding, consistent devices, self-service capability, and proactive support make a measurable difference to productivity. In 2026, IT is a core part of employee experience. 8. Automating Everyday Workflows SMBs can now automate HR approvals, finance tasks, customer service routing, and reporting without enterprise budgets. Small steps create meaningful efficiency gains. Book a free IT audit The businesses that will thrive in 2026 are those treating IT as a growth partner. Cranborne Tech is here to help UK SMBs build resilient, secure, and future-ready digital foundations. If you want to understand how your IT supports your business goals and identify any gaps before they become risks, book a free IT audit . We’ll review your current setup and guide you on the next steps.