Qwik 
We are often asked this question. The honest answer is that both suites suit most SMEs, and that switching costs more than setting up properly what you already have. Here is how to decide when starting from scratch, or when your current e-mail is no longer enough.
What is the same
Addresses on your own domain name, shared calendars, online storage, co-editing of documents, video conferencing, phone apps. Comparable prices: from a few francs to around twenty francs per user per month depending on the plan. Two-factor authentication and administration tools on both sides.
When Microsoft 365 is the obvious choice
- You work in Word, Excel and Outlook, and your clients send you Office files
- Your business software (accounting, management, drawings) relies on Outlook or Excel
- You also want to manage your Windows computers from the same console
- Hosting your data in Switzerland matters to you: Microsoft operates data centres in Switzerland and keeps the core data of accounts created here in them
When Google Workspace is the better fit
- The team lives in the browser and has no attachment to Office
- You often work with others on the same documents, at the same time
- Your devices mix Mac, Windows and Chromebook
- You prefer simpler administration, even if it means fewer settings
For data location, Google lets you choose a region, Europe for example, on some plans. Check this against your obligations.
What matters more than the choice
A badly configured suite is dangerous, whichever it is. In both cases: two-factor authentication for everyone, protection of the domain name against spoofing (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), sharing permissions checked, accounts closed on the day someone leaves, and an independent backup. Neither Microsoft nor Google will restore a folder deleted six months ago.
And data protection?
The nFADP does not prohibit these services. It requires you to know where the data is, to have a data processing agreement (both offer one) and to take appropriate security measures. For sensitive data, health data for example, location and encryption deserve particular scrutiny.
And a Swiss alternative?
Both suites come from American vendors, subject to American law even when the data is stored in Switzerland. For those who want their data in Switzerland and under Swiss law, there are Swiss collaboration suites covering email, files and video conferencing. They have fewer features, and are enough for many small organisations. How to judge →
Mix the two?
It is possible, but rarely desirable: two calendars, two places to look for a file, two invoices. Better to choose one and use it well.
In short: start from your software and your habits. We set up and manage both; the migration is done in an evening, without losing a single email.