Making the Switch: How CPS Help Organisations Transition from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?

TL;DR?

As a Microsoft Partner, we specialise in helping you transition from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. When you need advanced security, the best integration across business tools, and great collaboration features, it's worth considering the switch. ?

We offer pre-switch assessments, data migration, training, and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition. Ideal times for making the move include contract renewals with your existing service, organisational changes, or new security and compliance requirements.

Contact us to explore how Microsoft 365 can better serve your business needs.?

[email protected] | 01628 321 321?

The long of the TL;DR?

Having the correct tools is critical for achieving productivity and operational efficiencies. CPS understand that every organisation is unique, and that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to any form of transformation (digital and other). For companies using Google Workspace, switching to Microsoft 365 offers an array of capabilities and features that can help deliver your business outcomes. ?

I’ve chosen to write about the who, what, why, and when you should consider making the switch, and how we can support your change journey.?

Who Is Going To Consider Switching???

All organisations have compliance and security requirements, and some have more stringent requirements than others. For regulated industries, such as healthcare or finance, Microsoft 365 provides robust compliance tools along with advanced security measures to meet these needs. Advanced Threat Protection and Data Loss Prevention are just two of the capabilities delivered that are tailor-made for organisations that cannot afford to compromise on compliance and data security.?

Like most organisation you will be using Microsoft and other application vendors to deliver Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other apps. Microsoft 365 offers a more cohesive and streamlined experience. The platform is designed for [seamless] integration with a wide array of Microsoft solutions, including Azure, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform, making it easier to manage all aspects of your business through a single interface, and sign-on experience.?

Microsoft 365 delivers Office via the web and desktop apps and?offers a host of features including real-time co-authoring, extensive file storage options, and more, aimed at enhancing teamwork and collaboration. Whether your team is in a single office or distributed across the globe, Microsoft 365's comprehensive set of collaboration tools can help you work more efficiently and cohesively.?

What We Offer?

The first step after first discussions?is the Pre-Switch Assessment. Every transition must be planned to suit your requirements (project management is where we started). We conduct a thorough analysis of your current Google Workspace setup, finding what apps, data and processes you have in place. This enables us to create a transition plan to migrate to Microsoft 365, while minimising disruption to your operations.??

Understanding that your emails, documents, and calendars are vital components of your daily operations, we work towards a smooth transfer of your data to Microsoft 365. We use best-in-class tools and follow best practices to migrate your information securely.?

The transition doesn't end with data migration. A planned approach to adoption is key to realising the full potential of any new platform. That's where our Adoption & Change team – including training and services come in. We offer training sessions that familiarise your team with the features and capabilities of Microsoft 365. Our aim is to get your team up to speed as quickly as possible, ensuring that the transition is smooth while minimising the day-to-day impact of the change.?

Once migrated we offer ongoing Managed Support (MSP). This?supplies various options for support to troubleshoot issues that may arise, from technical issues to feature updates. Our commitment is to ensure your organisation can stay focused on what it does best, while we handle the day-to-day.?

Why Switch to Microsoft 365?

There are many reasons why to switch and I’ve picked a few.? Microsoft 365 can help you enhance your existing ways of working and processes while improving integration with a host of other Microsoft solutions, including Azure [services], Dynamics 365 e.g., for Sales & Marketing, and Power Platform for apps consolidation, and data analytics (amongst other capabilities). This level of integration can make a real (ROI driven) difference to your business when looking for a unified and streamlined technology stack, reducing and working towards dropping?disparate systems and the challenges they present.?

Next up... Security. This is a critical aspect that sets Microsoft 365 apart. You know the importance of robust security cannot be overstated. Microsoft 365 offers a suite of advanced features like Advanced Threat Protection and Data Loss Prevention that are designed to safeguard your data and give you peace of mind. Regardless of your industry, data security is what’s going to keep you awake at night. And Microsoft 365 can help improve your sleep partners.?

Scalability. Your business is dynamic, with needs that can change from one quarter to the next. Microsoft 365 is built to adapt to these changes. Whether?adding more team members, requiring more storage, or scaling back, Microsoft 365 offers flexible options - the technology adapts with you.?

The user experience provided by Microsoft 365 is a notable advantage. The platform brings together a variety of tools—from email via Outlook, to collaboration through Teams, to file storage in SharePoint Online and OneDrive—under one umbrella. This delivers a consistent and integrated user experience that supports productivity and can help you streamlines ways of working. ?

When To Consider Switching?

Contract negotiation time. An ideal moment to consider switching to Microsoft 365 is when your existing service contract is up for renewal. Contract Renewals serve as natural checkpoints for your organisation to assess the effectiveness of your current solutions and explore alternatives. By aligning the switch with the end of your existing contract, you can potentially avoid early termination fees and make the transition more cost-effective. This timing also gives you the freedom to negotiate new terms that better suit your current needs and future growth plans.?

Organisational Change. Perhaps you are?merging, scaling up operations, or embarking on a [digital] transformation initiative, these major milestones require a reassessment of your existing tools and ways of working. In these circumstances (not only these), Microsoft 365’s capabilities to easily integrate with other Microsoft products and scale according to your needs can be invaluable. Opting for a platform that can adapt to your new organisational structure or increased demands can help with a smoother transition and long-term success.?

Security and Compliance - new industry regulations or stricter data protection laws? This is another moment to consider Microsoft 365. With its robust compliance tools and advanced security features, Microsoft 365 can help you meet these new requirements without significant changes to your existing workflows. This ensures?compliance with regulations and secures your organisation's data against emerging threats, giving you peace of mind as you navigate these new challenges.?

What next ?

As a Microsoft Partner that has worked with Office 365 since its inception (and its precursor BPOS – remember that!?). CPS offer packages to make your transition from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 as smooth as possible.

Our tailored approach focuses on minimizing disruption while maximizing the benefits of your new, comprehensive digital workspace. Contact us to explore how Microsoft 365 can help your business across productivity, security, and collaboration.?

Contact us now & discuss your options and our approach.?

[email protected] | 01628 321 321?

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