Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace: Which Is Right for Your Business in Asia?

Two platforms, very different strengths

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are the two dominant productivity suites for businesses worldwide. Both offer email, document collaboration, video conferencing, and cloud storage, but they serve different use cases and the right choice depends on factors specific to operating in Asia.

Microsoft 365: the enterprise standard

For businesses with more than 50 users, compliance requirements in financial services, healthcare or legal, existing Windows infrastructure, or teams that rely heavily on Excel, Word, or PowerPoint, Microsoft 365 is almost always the better choice.

China note: Microsoft operates a dedicated China cloud (operated by 21Vianet) that keeps data within mainland China, which is critical for businesses with China compliance requirements. Brocent specialises in cross-border Microsoft deployments.

Google Workspace: fast, lightweight, collaborative

For businesses with fewer than 50 users, teams that need real-time document collaboration, or a technology-forward culture comfortable with browser-based tools, Google Workspace is often faster to deploy, easier to manage, and more cost-effective at smaller scale.

What Brocent recommends

Choose Microsoft 365 if you operate in regulated industries, have operations in mainland China, or have more than 30 users.

Choose Google Workspace if you are a fast-growing startup, primarily remote, and have a small, tech-savvy team.

Either way, the platform is only as good as the deployment and management behind it. Talk to our cloud team to plan your migration or optimise your existing environment.