7-Minute Read
For Ontario small businesses, choosing a productivity suite is a big decision. While Google Workspace has its fans, this guide explains why we believe Microsoft 365 is the smarter, more secure choice for your business’s future. From powerful desktop apps you already know to robust security and local support, we break down the key differences to help you make the right call for your team.
Choosing the right technology for your business isn’t just about spreadsheets and email—it’s about setting your company up for success. While Google Workspace is used by over 50% of the market, Microsoft 365 is a close second at 45%. The best choice for your team depends on how you work, what security matters, and which features will drive your growth.
Most Ontario owners start with what’s familiar, but as a business expands, small differences can turn into costly limits, missed opportunities, or security gaps.
Why Google Workspace is Popular
Many businesses start with Google Workspace because it’s easy to set up and great for real-time collaboration. The simplicity is its biggest draw:
Cloud-first, always-online documents and spreadsheets
Simple Gmail setup
Clean, easy-to-navigate apps
But as businesses grow, common issues arise:
Limited spreadsheet and email automation
Fewer robust desktop tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Security and compliance features aren't as granular as Microsoft's
Collaboration often requires a constant online connection
CASE STUDY
Meet Dave: The Thunder Bay Shop Owner Who Outgrew Google
Dave runs a growing woodworking business in Thunder Bay. He started with Google Workspace for its easy sharing and Gmail. But as contracts grew and regulations changed, Dave needed:
• Desktop versions of Word and Excel for forms, inventory, and complex quotes
• Advanced email rules and security for vendor communications
• Reliable backup and offline access during northern Ontario internet outages
Google Workspace apps couldn’t deliver. But with Microsoft 365, Dave got the features (and local support) his business needed.
Security Risks
Think all security is created equal? Think again. Your choice of productivity suite has a direct impact on your business’s safety.
Ransomware Attacks
Malware targeting insecure cloud storage can lock you out of all your files and demand payment.
Phishing and Spoofing
Emails disguised as coming from your team can trick employees into revealing passwords, giving hackers full access.
Compliance Penalties
Without the right security and data management tools, you could face hefty fines for not meeting Canadian privacy standards.
Quick Security Check
Which scenario would your business be safer in?
A) Relying on basic web-based tools and online-only support
B) Using a fully integrated platform with advanced security and local experts to help when things go wrong
See Answer
Answer: B – If you picked B, you’re on the right track. Many small businesses don’t realize the risks they face until it’s too late.
Why We Recommend Microsoft 365 for Ontario Businesses
While Google’s tools are good for simple, real-time collaboration, Microsoft 365 offers a level of depth and reliability that’s critical for specialized, professional work.
Full-Powered Software
Microsoft 365 includes complete, full-featured desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These are essential for businesses that rely on detailed documents, mail merges, pivot tables, or any advanced office tools. Google’s web-based apps simply can’t compete when you need powerful, offline-accessible software.
Better Security and Compliance
For regulated industries (finance, healthcare, agriculture), Microsoft provides stronger security controls, compliance tools, and data management. Features like advanced threat protection and multi-factor authentication help keep your data safe and meet Canadian privacy standards. Microsoft spends over $1 billion annually on security.
Integrated Teamwork and Communication
Teams integrates chat, voice, meetings, file sharing, and scheduling—all in one app—making remote and hybrid work much smoother. Google’s tools are good for simple collaboration, but they often lack the versatility of Teams, especially for businesses already using Outlook for email.
The Cost of Waiting
You might think Microsoft 365 Business Premium is an unnecessary expense, but it’s the version we almost require for our clients. Why? Because it includes advanced security features like enterprise-grade device protection, sophisticated threat protection against viruses and phishing, and enhanced identity and access management.
The Investment: At CAD $29.80 per user per month, the premium plan costs a five-person team roughly $1,788 per year.
The Breach Reality: While the average data breach in Canada costs a staggering $6.98 million, even a “small” incident can be devastating. Many small businesses report costs of at least $100,000 for a single attack.
That’s right—the average cost of just one incident is more than 55 years of Microsoft 365 Business Premium fees.
How CinnTech Can Help
CinnTech’s IT experts can help you see the difference Microsoft 365 can make for your operation, whether you’re planning a switch from Google or need help getting the most from your current Microsoft subscription. Our team provides jargon-free, practical support built for Ontario’s entrepreneurs and growing teams. We offer local expertise to help you choose, migrate, and optimize your productivity suite so you can focus on customers—not technology.
The Bottom Line
As your Ontario business grows, Microsoft 365 offers the depth, security, and flexibility Google Workspace simply can’t match. From desktop power to insurance-grade protection and local MSP support, Microsoft helps business owners focus on customers—and spend less time worrying about tech or compliance.
Sources
- IBM, “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025” (Canada)
- Exploding Topics, “Google Workspace User Stats (2025)”
- Fusion Computing, “Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365: An MSSP’s Perspective”
- Fit Small Business, “Google Workspace vs Office 365: Which Is Better in 2025?”
- Microsoft, “Digital Defense Report”
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce, “Canadian Small Business Cybersecurity Survival Guide”