
IT Tips & Tricks
Is SharePoint Like Google Drive?
Published 21 November 2024
Asking, “Is SharePoint® like Google Drive™?” is almost a trick question. If someone asked you whether a thriller is like a rom-com, the only accurate answer you could give is, “Well, they’re both movie genres ...”
Similarly, SharePoint and Google Drive are fundamentally alike in that they’re both popular cloud-based storage platforms. However, while they’re both great for storing, sharing and collaborating, the similarities soon run out since they also have key differences. Those differences make them best suited to quite different types of users and use cases. So, is SharePoint like Google Drive? Well, yes. And no. Let’s go exploring!
Asking, “Is SharePoint like Google Drive?” is a bit like asking whether a thriller is like a rom-com.
1. Core Functionality

Which platform gives you a traditional filing system — in the cloud?
- Google Drive is primarily a cloud-based file storage system, designed for personal and team-based document sharing. It provides basic file storage, versioning and collaboration on documents, spreadsheets and presentations via the Google Workspace® tools (such as Docs®, Sheets® and Slides®).
- SharePoint, on the other hand, is much more than just a file storage tool. It is a comprehensive collaboration platform designed for organizations to create intranets, manage content and automate workflows. File storage is just one component of its much broader feature set, which also includes document libraries, list management, communication tools and integration with Microsoft 365®apps.
2. Collaboration Features
Both platforms allow real-time collaboration, but the tools they
use differ:
- Google Drive integrates tightly with Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, allowing multiple users to edit the same file simultaneously. Google Drive’s collaboration features are simple, with easy access and sharing via links.
- SharePoint offers collaboration primarily through Microsoft 365 applications (such as Word®, Excel®, PowerPoint® and Teams®) allowing users to co-author documents. SharePoint also provides more granular control over permissions, access levels and document workflows, which is essential for large organizations with more complex security needs.
Both platforms allow real-time collaboration, but the tools they use differ:
- Google Drive integrates tightly with Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, allowing multiple users to edit the same file simultaneously. Google Drive’s collaboration features are simple, with easy access and sharing via links.
- SharePoint offers collaboration primarily through Microsoft 365 applications (such as Word®, Excel®, PowerPoint® and Teams®) allowing users to co-author documents. SharePoint also provides more granular control over permissions, access levels and document workflows, which is essential for large organizations with more complex security needs.
3. Integration with Productivity Tools
- Google Drive integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) apps like Gmail®, Calendar® and Meet®. It also supports integrations with third-party tools like Slack® and Asana®.
- SharePoint is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but it also connects with Teams, OneDrive™, Power Automate® and other Microsoft services. This makes it a more powerful tool for organizations that rely on the Microsoft ecosystem for tasks like team communication, workflow automation and
content management.
- Google Drive integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) apps like Gmail®, Calendar® and Meet®. It also supports integrations with third-party tools like Slack® and Asana®.
- SharePoint is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but it also connects with Teams, OneDrive™, Power Automate® and other Microsoft services. This makes it a more powerful tool for organizations that rely on the Microsoft ecosystem for tasks like team communication, workflow automation and content management.
Google Drive is more user-friendly and easier to set up. SharePoint, however, offers extensive customization options.
4. File Management and Structure
- Google Drive is straightforward and structured like a traditional file system with folders and files. It’s easy to navigate, making it a good choice for teams that need simple file storage and collaboration.
- SharePoint has a more complex architecture. It allows users to organize content into document libraries, apply metadata to files, create custom views and set advanced workflows for document approvals. This makes SharePoint ideal for larger organizations that need robust document management systems.
5. Security and Permissions

Why over-complicate when you can keep
it simple?
- Google Drive offers basic sharing controls, such as link-based sharing, view/edit permissions and Google Groups-based permissions. However, Google Drive’s permission system may not be sufficiently advanced for complex large-scale enterprise needs.
- SharePoint offers granular permissions at the document, folder, library and site levels. It is designed for businesses that need strict control over document access, compliance with legal requirements and secure internal collaboration. SharePoint also integrates with Azure Active Directory® to manage permissions and user roles across the organization.
6. Customization and Scalability
- Google Drive is more user-friendly and easier to set up. However, its customization and scalability options are limited. Google Drive is ideal for small teams or individuals needing simple storage and collaboration solutions.
- SharePoint, by contrast, offers extensive customization options. Organizations can build intranet portals, create workflows, integrate third-party apps and even develop custom solutions using SharePoint’s API. This makes it a more scalable and flexible solution for larger enterprises.

Big organization with big data? You need a big platform
7. Use Cases
The choice between the two comes down to the size of your organization, your workflow complexity and the ecosystems your team is
already using.
- Google Drive is typically favored by small to medium-sized businesses or teams looking for straightforward cloud storage and collaboration. It’s also commonly used in educational settings.
- SharePoint is preferred by medium to large enterprises with complex collaboration needs. It’s especially useful for organizations needing content management, workflow automation and document retention policies.
Final Thoughts
While both SharePoint and Google Drive are cloud-based platforms designed to enhance file storage and collaboration, SharePoint offers a more comprehensive enterprise-level solution with deep integration into Microsoft 365, advanced permissions and customization options. Google Drive, on the other hand, is an easy-to-use solution for smaller teams or users seeking simple storage and document sharing.
By now, it should make sense that we started by saying that SharePoint and Google Drive cater to different audiences. The choice between the two comes down to the size of your organization, your workflow complexity and the ecosystems your team is already using. For businesses already invested in Microsoft’s productivity suite or requiring robust security and content management features, SharePoint is likely the better choice. For smaller teams or those already using Google Workspace, Google Drive’s simplicity and ease of use make it a solid option. Good luck!

Ed Clark
LinkTek COO
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