By Catherine Heath (Freelance Technical Writer and Marketing Advocate)
Catherine is a freelance writer based in Manchester. Blogs. Copy. Documentation. She believes in ditching the jargon – just give her plain writing.
In collaboration with Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani (a Python developer and data scientist),
Find Syed on LinkedIn.
Well, now that’s a good question. Perhaps Microsoft suffers from an image problem due to its association with big business. This might cause some people to be less than enthusiastic about adopting Microsoft.
But that’s one of the best reasons to use Microsoft, especially alongside other operating systems like Linux and Google Workspace. Microsoft has a huge amount of operating power and wide range of features that make it a strong contender as an OS.
Syed uses Linux. #OpenSource #WriteTheDocs
I use Google Workspace.
We both use Microsoft.
What does that tell you?
Microsoft is compatible with Google Workspace. You can send a Word Document and convert it to a Google Doc easily. You can send someone an invitation to a Teams meeting and have it easily converted to a Google Calendar event.
You’re not limited to just one ecosystem when companies have provided APIs to help you connect their products.
Here are some of the big advantages of Microsoft:
Microsoft:
- Keeps data safe:
Simple to use, including file sharing. For example, you can easily share files with colleagues securely which is one of the points of using a system like Microsoft.
- Increases productivity
Using Microsoft Word to quickly create documents and spreadsheets to share your data with other colleagues.
- Secure data
Protecting sensitive information with strong passwords and other methods of security to ensure no one accesses your files.
- Works on all devices
Access files from both laptop and smartphone which are all compatible with one another so you can switch devices at your leisure.
- Latest Features
(for example, using the most recent versions of Office apps).
- One login
(for example, sign in once to access all Microsoft applications)
- Reliable support
(for example, receiving assistance from Microsoft experts online)
- Saves time
(for example, using Microsoft Teams to quickly communicate with colleagues).
- Organises work:
(for example, using Microsoft Outlook to manage emails and calendars).
- Collaborates easily:
(for example, using Microsoft SharePoint Features are files with team members).
- Helps customers:
(for example, using Outlook or other products to help customers)
Conclusion
I use Google Workspace because it is largely free and the products work for me. I also take advantage of free versions of Microsoft products like Teams and Outlook. You’re free to mix and match when it comes to Microsoft. Don’t think that just because you use Google Workspace that you’re limited to just one ecosystem.
Google Workspace is also great, and in order to work effectively with clients I need to combine it with Microsoft. Even extra platforms like Zoom or Calendly can be needed to properly integrate with every client if they are not either using Microsoft or Google Workspace.
