Google Workspace

Pros

One of Google Workspace’s shining features is shared workspace which lets many people work on the same document spreadsheets and presentations at the same time. Its supple integration with other Google tools, like Gmail, Calendar, and Drive, makes the ecosystem very natural. One example is being able to build events right from email invitations and automatically attach related documents to calendar entries that reduce administrative load for users.

Cons

An advanced communication project of any complexity would be benefited if Gantt chart features or even more advanced task dependency tracking were added.

Pros

Firstly from the perspective of working in a large international corporate, what stands out the most is its real-time collaboration tools, especially Google Docs and Google Sheets, which allow multiple users to edit simultaneously with visible, instant updates. In a large corporate setting, this eliminates the need for extensive email chains and enables team comments and tagging, making feedback cycles much quicker. Additionally, Google Drive’s shared drives simplify file organisation across departments, allowing easy access control for large teams. I also appreciate Google Calendar's ease of use, particularly when managing multiple diaries with stakeholders overseas - the ability to quickly adjust meetings to suit different timezones is invaluable. Google Keep has also been extremely useful in managing to-do lists for multiple clients.

Also as a solo founder, Gmail’s integration with Google Calendar is invaluable, with features like smart scheduling, email reminders, and access to Google Meet. This makes it easy to manage everything in one ecosystem, keeping tasks organised without needing multiple platforms.

Cons

Oftentimes, Google Sheets can slow down with large datasets, especially compared to more robust data tools like Excel, making it challenging for teams handling heavy data. Some limitations in offline functionality can also be frustrating, as it requires reliable internet to maximise productivity.

For a solo user, the cost can feel high for just one person, especially if only basic tools are used. There’s also a limited range of design customisation in Google Slides, which can sometimes be restrictive for branding needs.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Google Workspace

Pros

I like the convenience of Google Workspace - I can use my business' domain name and still have all the creature comforts of Google's numerous apps and tools, like Drive, email, etc.

Cons

There is a learning curve when setting up Google Workspace. From my perspective, an average user will not understand the in-depth and granular onboarding process. Google Workspace seemingly treats its users as large corporations, and as such, it fashions its directions and setup process as though they are dealing with IT pros.

However, as a small freelance design studio (sole proprietor), I do not need all the features that are available to set up, such as mobile device authorizations, auditing, groups, and teams.

I wish Google had the option of scaling their set-up and onboarding process specifically to each user—perhaps a preferences board where options can be toggled on/off to lessen the confusion. Thankfully, I have prior knowledge of domain setup, mailbox management, etc. However, I still had to consult Google support more than once to ensure my settings were correct.

However, beyond the length of the setup process, my biggest complaint about Google Workspace is that there is no easy or efficient way to eliminate duplicate files and protect files from errant deletion. Therefore, if a sync session is interrupted, files can be inadvertently duplicated, or when files on one terminal are accidentally deleted, those files are also deleted within the Drive space—a complete recipe for disaster.

This has happened to me more than once. I attempted to remove duplicate files from my internal hard drive but didn't realize that my Drive app was still running. Instead of being able to correct my course and undelete the data, the app synced my changes to the cloud, and my data was forever lost (because of the sheer amount of it - over 4 TB). I've since attempted to restore many of the files using EaseUs recovery software and miscellaneous backups I have from other hard drives, but that has also turned into a disaster because when I start the copying process (restoring the files), the internet cuts out and the connection is lost. The whole process has to be restarted, but Google doesn't know where it left off and where it needs to begin, so the process starts from scratch, causing multiples of each file to collect in the cloud, and then it is synced back to my local hard drive - using up precious storage space.

Google needs a more robust solution to track file changes and versions, a check/balance approach to adding and replacing files, and the ability to resume a sync or copy session where it left off.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Google Workspace

Pros

The inbox is relatively intuitive and can be adapted to fit your brand/web domain; it's Gmail with your professional branding. You also get Drive, Meet, Google Docs and a few other apps.

I rely on Google Calendar to stay organized with client meetings, conference calls, appointments, etc. Although I use a Mac, it generally integrates well with my computer and software. The automated tools are helpful; the calendar invite system is fairly easy to use.

Google Docs are better, in my opinion, than the competitor products because they're so intuitive and it's easy to invite collaborators.

Cons

Some of the admin dashboards are less intuitive and hide key account settings. I often have to search 'how do I change X setting in Google Workspace?" because it's not readily apparent in the console.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Google Workspace

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Google Workspace

Pros

When it comes to team collaboration, Google Workspace is the best in the business. Teams can collaborate live editing documents together, using chat within those documents, and everything is just intuitive.

Cons

While the collaboration is amazing, the productivity suite just isn't MS Office. They're close, but just lagging in features. The Google Sheets formulas aren't quite the same as Excel, the formatting options of Google Docs aren't as robust as Word, etc.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Google Workspace

Pros

Google Workspace offers a seamless suite of productivity tools that make collaboration easy and efficient. Real-time editing in Docs, Sheets, and Slides allows teams to work together from anywhere. The integration with Gmail, Calendar, and Drive ensures smooth communication and file management. Its cloud-based accessibility and strong security features make it ideal for remote and on-site teams alike.

Cons

Google Workspace removes some beta programs that we utilize, and occasional syncing issues can disrupt real-time collaboration.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Google Workspace

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Google Workspace

Pros

The standout feature of Google Workspace is its excellent real-time collaboration tools. Being able to work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations simultaneously with teammates, while seeing their edits and suggestions in real-time, is a game-changer. This feature reduces the need for back-and-forth emails and ensures everyone stays on the same page.

Cons

The initial free storage is sufficient for most small teams, but as your data grows, the cost of additional storage can add up. Google Drive’s space is shared across all apps, so emails, documents, and files can quickly eat up the storage limit, leading to additional costs for businesses.

Compared to more specialized and established software (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Word), Google Sheets and Docs lack some of the more advanced features and formatting options. Though not a major issue for most users, for those needing complex functionalities, it could be limiting.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Google Workspace

Pros

Google Workspace manages most of my business needs: email, calendar, meet, chat, and drive

Cons

I have multiple accounts (personal and several different businesses) and though you can switch between them using the icon I get frustrated when I have to sign out or in when going between them

Pros

I like that it has everything that my organization needs to use. Most people are familiar with using Google products so it is a fairly simple transition.

Cons

It can get complex when you have years of work. Without constant attention to organization, it gets unruly easily.

Pros

I like the integration of the entire eco system. It's easy for me to share with my team, give them updates, and keep the organization in sync

Cons

The interface itself doesn't really have the "professional" look. I'm not really a fan of Teams either. I still go with my previous solution for video conferencing.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Google Workspace

Pros

Seamless way to manage business email and associated tools. Google Workspace makes it easy to set up business email accounts and user profiles without needing a lot of technical knowledge.

Cons

Some tools and systems do require Googling to find a way through them, but generally speaking I find the software is easy to follow and use.

Pros

Google made it easy to purchase a domain and create user email addresses. I like the security with MFA that google workspace offers

Cons

Google workspace flagged some of our emails most likely because we were mass emailing as a high volume.

Pros

google workspace includes all google products, these products are collaborative with each other .making it easy to work as a team .all apps are easily accessible from any device .I am intrigued by the level of security google provides for each app . example two factor authentication.

Cons

Some Apps can be costly as there is an ongoing subscription to access some of these app, this really does add up over time .also there are some app that are free like Gmail but there is limited storage . For you to access more space it means more money. There is a lack of some formatting options as opposed to some other software . overall it get the job done .

Pros

What I liked most about Google Workspace is how easy it is to work together with others. The real-time collaboration in Docs and Sheets is great, and everything being cloud-based means I can access my work from anywhere. Plus, the tools all integrate really well, so switching between email, calendars, and documents is seamless.

Cons

What I liked least about Google Workspace is that it can sometimes feel a bit slow, especially when dealing with large files. Also, the offline functionality isn't as smooth as I’d like—it can be tricky to access documents when the internet is spotty.

Pros

Google Workspace is incredibly efficient for our team to collaborate, save data, and navigate our stored documents, procedures, lists and all of the important features that we need to effectively run the organisation. We are frequent users of Mail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and Chat to improve our experience and communication.

Cons

Google Chat is outperformed by other third party tools for internal communication, as well as limited at least from our experience, in inviting third party collaborators to chat directly with teams on Chat.

Pros

What I liked most about Google Workspace is its seamless integration of tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive, which makes real-time collaboration extremely efficient. The cloud-based system ensures that all documents are easily accessible from anywhere, fostering a productive environment for remote teams. Additionally, its intuitive design and simplicity make it user-friendly, even for non-technical users.

Cons

The thing I liked least about Google Workspace is its limited offline functionality. While some documents can be accessed offline, the experience is not as smooth as when connected to the internet. Also, the storage space provided in some plans may not be sufficient for users who handle large amounts of data, such as media files.

Pros

Organization and ease of use for new business owners. I found that I could operate my small business very easily with Google Workspace and the functions it has to share documents, create forms and communicate with businesses from other networks. I am still learning some of the functions of Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Sheets. Overall, Ive found it to be user friendly- so far so good!

Cons

I wish there were more tutorials for new users on the functions of all the sections in the suite. Things like how to correct forms, do outlines, etc. I think it would be useful to have a tutorial available for new users.

Pros

Google Workspace has transformed the way our team collaborates and manages tasks. The integration of tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Meet has streamlined our workflow and made remote collaboration seamless.

Cons

Although offline access is available for Google Docs and Sheets, it can be cumbersome to work without a stable internet connection. Users might experience difficulty accessing files or editing documents when offline, which can disrupt workflow.

Pros

hat I like most about Google Workspace is its seamless integration of tools that enhance team collaboration and productivity. As a CMO, managing multiple projects and communicating with various teams is essential, and Google Workspace makes this effortless. The real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations through Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides is a game-changer for remote or hybrid teams. It’s easy to keep everything organized through Google Drive, and the integration with Gmail and Google Calendar helps keep our communication and scheduling on track. The flexibility of accessing these tools from any device is incredibly useful, especially when I’m on the go.

Cons

The only area I feel could use improvement is the offline functionality of some tools. While Google Workspace works great online, the offline mode doesn’t always perform as smoothly, particularly when syncing changes. Additionally, some of the advanced features in Google Sheets and Docs are a bit limited compared to other standalone tools, but these are minor trade-offs given the overall ease of use and collaborative features.

Pros

It makes life easy how everything connects in one place like Gmail, Google Docs, Forms, and Drive all in one suite

Cons

There is none I can think of at the moment

Pros

The fact that it is cloud-based and allows us to combine email, drive storage, admin functionality and controls, and connect our company together all in one.

Cons

Believe it or not, I really don't have anything negative to say about Workspace. It has proven itself to be an effective tool for us.

Pros

I love how integrated each component of the workspace is. It all functions so easily together and makes it very simple to share things with colleagues.

Cons

My least favourite thing is that sometimes even though I've given someone access to a worksheet, they don't automatically get access to links in that sheet. I'm sure there's a way to change this, but if there is it's not simple enough

Pros

It integrates a host of production apps, collaboration, and communication tools to aid workflow and business processes. Additionally, it supports several extensions that help keep me productive.

Cons

Google Workspace fails to have a dedicated illustrator tool on par with LucidChart, Vizio, or Illustrator. It is the one glaring issue that I have to go elsewhere to meet my business needs. JamBoard is ok but does not have all the features as some of the products that I mentioned.

Pros

I can go between documents from my laptop to my phone without losing anything. The share ability is awesome too!

Cons

It bothers me that I am randomly signed out of sheets or docs when I'm in the middle of working on something.

Pros

The list would be long :D but the following are a few of them -

1. Seamless "e-mail" experience. What I like the most is the simple layout (design).

2. Robust "Drive" to store data and access from anywhere in the world,

3. Excellent integration facility of reminders, events, etc, through "Calendar".

4. Classic apps like Sheets, Docs and Slides. Working online has become super easy. The best part is the access facility from across the globe and different devices.

5. "Forms", is a great way to gather data, do analysis, etc.

6. Lastly, "Meet" app is an inseparable part of my day-to-day meetings. There are many useful apps that come with Google Workspace. I can keep on writing on these as it made my day-to-day work very easy and convenient :D

Cons

It's not that I didn't like but there are a few things where I think that there is an scope of improvement. The following are the same -

1. e-mail - In the e-mail app, the advance search option should have the feature to search the e-mails older than an year.

2. Being a paid user of Workspace, some essential apps like Gemini and YouTube, etc should be provided with a premium account.

3. Google Meet should have some features like having a look at the participants while sharing the screen and ease of sharing a video with sound (through a player).