Google has been a dominating force in the productivity suite arena for a while now, offering an excellent - and some would argue better - alternative to the incumbent: Microsoft's Office 365 and Outlook email client.
However, Google isn't the only productivity suite making moves. Zoho Workplace mirrors Google's G Suite, offering a similar suite of applications and email platform, aiming to provide an all-round package for businesses.
To help you decide between the two, we compare the two in greater detail and reach a verdict about which is better for business use.
Office suite
Both Google and Zoho offer a range of web-based software that offers similar capabilities within the workplace.
Zoho recently launched Zoho Workplace, a suite of nine applications to rival Google's G-Suite. These are grouped under the headings, Create: Writer, Sheet, Show; Collaborate: Docs, Showtime, Sites; and Communicate: Mail, Cliq, and Connect.
Zoho's Flow tool also offers the ability to integrate a number of cloud-based apps into your email interface, such as LinkedIn or Slack. This could be especially useful for jobs which involve a lot of social media promotion, allowing you to update Twitter and Facebook feeds without leaving your email app.
You can also automate tasks across various different apps by using an intuitive builder where you can drag and drop tasks into a 'flow'. Alternatively, you can select a pre-built flow which automates routine but time-consuming processes.
Collaboration tools
Zoho's Cliq feature includes some of the capabilities offered by Slack - namely a 'real-time messaging, file sharing, audio/video call-making software built for work'. It allows members of a business to create different channels and groups to communicate quickly about various topics.
An advanced search mechanism allows you to search the chat history for particular files or keywords.
Similarly, G-Suite offers Google Hangouts where you can message, create groups, phone or video chat.
Zoho mail vs Gmail
Deciding on an email provider is a difficult decision for any new business, with a dizzying array of different specs and price points, it's hard to know which offers the best value in terms of your business needs.
Gmail is the go-to email suite for many businesses, from startups to large enterprises. But before you settle for the most well-known brand, it's worth considering Zoho. The webmail and online office suite provider has been beefing up its offerings of late.
