Digital Workplace

Microsoft, Google, or Lark for small businesses: choose based on operating habits

The best tool is not the tool with the most features. SMEs should choose Microsoft, Google, or Lark based on files, chat habits, permissions, and automation needs.

8 min read

Microsoft fits when Excel and SharePoint are already core

If the company already lives in Excel, Outlook, Teams, or SharePoint, do not force a full migration first. Improve file structure, permissions, and Graph automation before buying more tools.

  • Excel as source data
  • SharePoint as shared storage
  • Outlook/Teams familiarity
  • Graph API when needed

Google fits lightweight collaboration

Google Workspace often fits teams that need shared docs, simple sheets, quick forms, and less complex permission design.

  • Docs/Sheets usability
  • Fast forms
  • Simple sharing
  • Small-team fit

Lark fits when chat, data, and approval should stay close

Lark is strong when chat, Base, approvals, and notifications need to sit near each other. Field and view design still matters, or Base becomes another messy spreadsheet.

  • Chat plus Base
  • Approvals
  • Notifications
  • Field design first