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Google’s Productivity Suite Now Works with iOS, Microsoft Office

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Connected brainiOS users have long struggled with the ability to open, edit, and save the productivity tools we all use every day. From creating letters to displaying slideshow presentations, professionals have demanded iOS compatibility, especially with the introduction of the iPad.

While Microsoft pushed out its Office for iPad earlier this year, the free version only allows users read access to files. To edit and manipulate files, users are required to purchase an Office 365 subscription, which starts at $60 per year.

Google for iOS

Google’s full suite of Office-like products have become popular with penny pinchers, since the software is free. But iOS functionality has been limited with the apps, making it a problem for iPhone and iPad users who wanted to be able to open, edit, and save files on their devices.

iOS users can now use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Docs is the company’s word processing software, while Sheets is an Excel competitor and Slides is a PowerPoint counterpart. The ability to use these docs on iPads and iPhones means professionals can conduct presentations or edit work files from anywhere.

Microsoft Office Compatibility

Perhaps the best news of all for iOS owners, though, is that Google Apps now works with Microsoft Office products. This means that iOS device owners can pull up Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides and edit or view them on the go. In today’s environment of cloud-based collaboration, this is a huge plus.

For professionals who own Android devices, the feature works on those, as well. Each app can be downloaded separately in the iOS or Google Play store. The iOS versions are available here: Docs, Sheets, and Slides. For professionals who simply need the ability to view documents and presentations, the free version of Microsoft Office for iOS will likely suffice.

Office 365 vs Google Docs

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They say you get what you pay for, but nothing is better than free.  That’s why for years people have been touting Google Docs as a way to go to get something for virtually nothing.  However, in December Google changed the pricing structure for its new business users.  Now there is a two tier pricing structure with $50 per user per year for basic services and $150 per user per year for advance security features.

The old adage holds true, you do get what you pay for.  The question now is do you get more if you pay for Microsoft’s new service: Office 365 which costs $6 per month for the first 50 users?

For Storage

You get more with Office 365.  Powered by Skydrive, the system offers an initial 25 gigabytes and $50 for each 100 more.  Google only dishes out 5 gigabytes at a price $60 for the next 100.

Collaboration

Google has the edge here.  The platform they use is more conducive to easily sharing, usually involving just a click and search through your contacts.  As of right now, Office 365 has trouble sharing with its desktop brethren.

Apps

It all comes down to apps doesn’t it?  Google Docs has a bit of an edge in document files.  They export and preview much easier than its Microsoft counterpoint.  However, Office 365 has a cleaner spreadsheet.  So, it’s a bit of a wash whose better in this arena.

The Bottom Line

For those who already have Google Business accounts you’ll probably want to keep your free services. People using sharepoint and other Microsoft platforms should probably stick with 365.