Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Microsoft 365 VS Amazon WorkSpaces

Compare Microsoft 365 VS Amazon WorkSpaces and see what are their differences

Microsoft 365 logo Microsoft 365

Boost your productivity with reliable access anywhere with services like email, calendar, file sharing, meetings, instant messaging, and Office Online

Amazon WorkSpaces logo Amazon WorkSpaces

Amazon WorkSpaces is a managed desktop computing service in the cloud.
  • Microsoft 365 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-16
  • Amazon WorkSpaces Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-24

Microsoft 365 features and specs

  • Accessibility
    Office 365 allows users to access their documents and applications from virtually any device with an internet connection, promoting remote and collaborative work.
  • Automatic Updates
    Software updates are automatically rolled out, ensuring that users always have the latest features, security patches, and improvements without needing to manually install them.
  • Integrated Productivity Tools
    The suite includes a wide range of integrated tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, which streamline workflow and enhance productivity.
  • Cloud Storage
    Microsoft 365 provides cloud storage options through OneDrive and SharePoint, offering users scalable storage solutions and easy file sharing capabilities.
  • Security Features
    The platform includes advanced security features like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates to protect sensitive information.
  • Collaboration
    Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, with real-time editing and commenting features, which enhances team collaboration and productivity.
  • Scalability
    Different subscription plans are available, allowing businesses of all sizes to choose the appropriate plan based on their needs and scale as they grow.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft 365

  • Subscription Model
    Office 365 operates on a subscription-based model, which may become expensive over time compared to a one-time purchase of traditional Office software.
  • Internet Dependency
    Some features require an internet connection to function properly. Inconsistent or poor internet access can hinder productivity and limit accessibility.
  • Complexity
    With a vast array of tools and features, some users may find it challenging to navigate and utilize the full potential of the platform without adequate training.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Storing data on cloud services can raise privacy and compliance concerns, especially for organizations dealing with sensitive information.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There may be compatibility issues with older versions of Microsoft Office and other third-party applications, potentially causing disruptions in workflow.
  • Cost
    For small businesses or individual users, the cost of the subscription can be a significant expense, particularly when considering ongoing payments.

Amazon WorkSpaces features and specs

  • Scalability
    Amazon WorkSpaces can easily scale up or down depending on the number of users and computing requirements, allowing businesses to adjust resources dynamically and manage costs effectively.
  • Security
    Amazon WorkSpaces provides robust security features, including data encryption, advanced firewalls, and secure access controls, ensuring that sensitive information is safeguarded.
  • Ease of Management
    With centralized management tools, administrators can easily deploy, manage, and monitor virtual desktops, simplifying IT administration and maintenance tasks.
  • Anywhere Access
    Users can securely access their desktop from any device with an internet connection, offering flexibility and support for remote work.
  • Cost Efficiency
    With a pay-as-you-go pricing model, businesses can avoid hefty upfront hardware investments and only pay for the resources they use, potentially lowering operational costs.
  • Seamless Integration
    Amazon WorkSpaces integrates smoothly with other AWS services, enabling a cohesive cloud ecosystem and facilitating additional capabilities such as file storage, backups, and disaster recovery.

Possible disadvantages of Amazon WorkSpaces

  • Network Dependency
    Performance is highly dependent on internet connectivity and bandwidth. Poor network quality can result in latency issues, disrupting user experience.
  • Cost Implications with Scaling
    While WorkSpaces can be cost-effective, costs can escalate with extensive usage and high-performance requirements, making it expensive for large-scale deployments if not managed properly.
  • Learning Curve
    Implementing and managing Amazon WorkSpaces can require some level of expertise and training, which might be a barrier for organizations not familiar with AWS services.
  • Limited Hardware Control
    As a fully managed service, users have limited control over the underlying hardware, potentially leading to compatibility issues with specific software or peripherals.

Analysis of Amazon WorkSpaces

Overall verdict

  • Amazon WorkSpaces is a solid choice for businesses looking for a reliable and scalable virtual desktop infrastructure. Its flexibility and integration capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of use cases.

Why this product is good

  • Amazon WorkSpaces is considered a good option for virtual desktops due to its scalability, security, and ease of use. It allows organizations to provision Windows or Linux desktops quickly, supports a pay-as-you-go pricing model, and integrates seamlessly with other AWS services, providing robust security and compliance controls.

Recommended for

  • Organizations with a remote or distributed workforce
  • Companies needing secure, compliant desktop environments
  • Businesses seeking to simplify desktop management and reduce IT overhead
  • Startups and small to medium enterprises looking for cost-effective virtual desktop solutions

Microsoft 365 videos

Office 365 Complete Tutorial Zero to Hero

More videos:

  • Review - What is Office 365
  • Review - The Merger - S3E8 - The Office In Review
  • Review - Performance Review - S2E8 - The Office in Review
  • Review - Checking Out Microsoft Office 365
  • Review - All 9 Seasons of The Office Ranked!
  • Review - Microsoft Office 365 review: Online, offline, any good?
  • Review - ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ What is Microsoft 365 - Explained

Amazon WorkSpaces videos

Introduction to Amazon WorkSpaces Virtual Desktop Running on the Samsung Galaxy S8 with DeX Station

More videos:

  • Review - How I use Amazon workspaces for day trading
  • Review - Dive into Amazon WorkSpaces with Jeff Barr

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft 365 and Amazon WorkSpaces)
Office & Productivity
78 78%
22% 22
Cloud Computing
0 0%
100% 100
Office Suites
100 100%
0% 0
Project Management
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Microsoft 365 and Amazon WorkSpaces

Microsoft 365 Reviews

  1. I have been using Microsoft 365 for several months, and my experience has been very positive. The applications are smooth, fast, and helpful for both study and professional work. Word and Excel make document creation and data handling easier, while OneDrive allows me to store everything safely in the cloud. Microsoft Teams is also very useful for meetings and communication. Overall, Microsoft 365 improves productivity and provides a reliable working environment.

  2. Always backup your Office 365 data

    Microsoft Office 365 is an amazing software that helps companies establish their business, so a backup is a must since Microsoft is not offering the proper backup.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Google Docs
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Great set of functions
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    No backup

Top Alternatives to Microsoft Office Suite
In todayโ€™s competitive business environment, having the right office suite is crucial for streamlined operations and effective collaboration. While Microsoft Office Suite has been a popular choice, these alternatives offer unique features and cost-effective solutions to cater to your specific business needs. Whether you prioritize real-time collaboration, budget-friendly...
Source: saaszeal.com
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Office Editing For Docs, Sheets & Slides is an offline chrome extension that helps you edit Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files without Office installed on your PC. It opens Docx and other files in a new tab instead of downloading them locally.
The BEST Email Hosting Providers for Small Business in 2021
There are 4 deployment steps to set up an account on Microsoft 365 Business. The initial step is acquiring a subscription and assigning Microsoft 365 Business licenses to the user. Then you use the set-up wizard to configure the account. Once you install the Office apps on your devices, the final step is to prepare your PCs by using the Windows AutoPilot.

Amazon WorkSpaces Reviews

Top 5 Alternatives to Citrix: Workspace Management Software for Secure Access to Applications and Desktops
Last but not least, Amazon WorkSpaces offers a virtual desktop feature for all. One of its notable features is that it is easy to set up, with customers having a full suite of customization options for their apps from the company's marketplace. All of that works under the e-commerce company's cloud-based server, Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Amazon WorkSpaces should be more popular than Microsoft 365. It has been mentiond 21 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Microsoft 365 mentions (14)

  • Winapp, the Windows App Development CLI โ€“ Windows Developer Blog
    Ask the marketing department that destroyed one of the most famous brands on earth, MS Office, and renamed it to "Microsoft Copilot 365 app": https://office.com. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • You Are Already Using Wasm In Production
    If you use Microsoftโ€™s online Office.com suite or the popular Figma graphics tool, youโ€™ve already used Wasm in production. If youโ€™ve used a device to watch streaming services like BBC or Amazon Prime, youโ€™ve already used Wasm in production. In fact, youโ€™re using Wasm in production right now. This website has been powered by server-side Wasm since its initial launch in February of 2022. Our serverless platform for... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Need to count calls on certain days in certain time slots
    Yes it does change, will not work for 2016, but it works for excel online at office.com, which is free with a microsoft account. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Change SharePoint Start Page for All
    When our users go to office.com, login and click the waffle for SharePoint, I want to change this landing page. Right now, it goes to https://ourdomain.sharepoint.com/_layouts/15/sharepoint.aspx and once users are in SP, if they ever click the home button it will direct them to this page as well. I want to change this to a new site we created that makes browsing our sites and sharing information/events much... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Has anyone seen same behavior with AAD laptops reaching out to internal DCs on ports 88, 389, and 445
    Authentication happens through a 3rd party so when we try to login to office.com with our company accounts it redirect us to this 3rd party company that handles our logins. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Amazon WorkSpaces mentions (21)

  • Find Unknown Table
    You need to provide more info. Is it this? Which tier? https://aws.amazon.com/workspaces/. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Accessing a powerful windows desktop
    Looking for a powerful windows desktop that will compile faster than my laptop, ideally a virtual desktop like Fully Managed VDI โ€“ Amazon WorkSpaces Family โ€“ Amazon Web Services. The machine needs to run windows and be able to install Quartus Intelยฎ Quartusยฎ Prime Lite Edition Design Software Version 20.1.1 for Windows. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Delivery delays with laptops for new hires. What are my options?
    I was thinking this.. a VDI should tide them over, or an AWS workspace perhaps? https://aws.amazon.com/workspaces/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Best Solutions to Reducing E-Waste
    Virtualization has continued to improve with technology and the speed of the internet.  You can enhance your device by merely leveraging the high-performance computers in the cloud without having to worry about how good your computer is.  Upgrades are as simple as a click of a button.  Try services like Shells or Amazon Workspaces. Source: over 3 years ago
  • How can I run Firefox from AWS?
    Yes, that should be possible. https://aws.amazon.com/workspaces/ might be easier. But either is going to be expensive to run with a usable amount of RAM. Why are you trying to do this? Source: almost 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft 365 and Amazon WorkSpaces, you can also consider the following products

Google Workspace - Google's encompassing suite of cloud-based business apps.

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops - Virtual desktop infrastructure for application delivery

LibreOffice - Free office suite, open source, and compatible with .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx files. Updated regularly โ€“ download for free. Originally based on OpenOffice.org.

Inuvika OVD Enterprise - A cost-effective alternative to Citrix or alternative to Omnissa/VMware Horizon. OVD Enterprise deliver Windows and Linux apps and desktops on a Linux platform. Requires less infrastructure and fewer Microsoft licenses. Lower your TCO by up to 60%.

Apache OpenOffice - Apache OpenOffice is an open source, office document productivity suite.

Evolve IP Virtual Desktop - Evolve IP has been enabling businesses to deploy both cloud computing and cloud communications services on a single, unified platform.