IceWarp vs Microsoft 365 – The Smarter Business Choice
IceWarp is an all-in-one collaboration tool with flexible pricing and improved security, making it the smart alternative to Microsoft 365. But how exactly do the two compare? Let’s get into it.
Feature Comparison
Many businesses feel stuck using Microsoft 365 simply because “that’s just how we do things around here”, and they have been for years.
They give excuses like “We’d love to switch to something more flexible or less expensive, but everybody’s familiar with M365 programs, and the headache would just be too big to switch and hold employee trainings for a new system.”
If this sounds like you, then listen up. IceWarp offers all the same collaboration tools as M365, and more. Check out the comparison below:
As you can see, IceWarp is an all-in-one, in-browser platform with a secure business email, unified communication tools, and productivity apps that anyone familiar with M365 will immediately recognize—no special training or complicated onboarding required.
Data Security
It’s no secret that Microsoft doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to protecting user data. Microsoft, Microsoft Cloud, and, most recently, Microsoft Copilot are practically synonymous with data leaks and security breaches.
This is only one of the many reasons why we take user data security so seriously. When you trust your corporate data to IceWarp, you can expect the following data protection features:
- Antispam and antivirus protection;
- Option to choose the data center where you want your data to be stored, and it’ll remain there forever;
- Cloud and on-prem options, including hybrid setups;
- EU-based data privacy (GDPR compliance);
- 30-day user data backups, available upon request.
When it comes to data security, Microsoft 365 is truly hindered by its size as a megacorporation. On the contrary, IceWarp is completely independent from big tech ecosystems.
This affords IceWarp the advantage of offering its users full data ownership and privacy that no mega-conglomerate can touch.
Deployment Flexibility
A keen eye may have noticed this benefit mentioned above, but we’d be remiss not to compare Microsoft 365’s and IceWarp’s deployment options.
Both IceWarp and M365 offer users flexibility in deployment. That includes Cloud, on-premises, and hybrid options. However, the devil’s in the details.
Cloud
Both companies’ Cloud options are hosted and managed by the provider, but only IceWarp offers fully managed services with enhanced performance features (e.g., Conferencing and Document editing, Cloud microservices, etc.).
M365 is notably lacking in this area, with less control over data residency and customization.
On-prem
IceWarp’s on-prem deployment allows users to install and run the program on their own servers and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Microsoft 365’s on-prem option remains always connected to certain M365 Cloud features.
The result is M365’s on-prem option with limited scalability and integration compared to its Cloud-based counterpart. Not to mention the security concerns of mandatory connectivity.
Hybrid
Both IceWarp and Microsoft understand that some scenarios benefit from a combined on-prem and Cloud deployment.
Unfortunately, M365’s hybrid option comes bogged down with complex configuration and management, while IceWarp users benefit from integrated communication tools, access to the same public folders, and participation in the same TeamChat rooms.
Pricing Comparison
On average, IceWarp users save 42% by switching from Microsoft 365. But you don’t have to take our word for it. See for yourself.
[Another good place for some pricing comparison tables, taken from the same PDF.]
This comparison makes one thing clear: IceWarp is a cost-efficient alternative to Microsoft 365. In part, this is made possible by IceWarp’s flexible feature selection—you only pay for what you actually use.
While M365 forces users to buy the whole package, IceWarp users enjoy the “pick and choose” approach, allowing them to save money by avoiding unnecessary tools or features.
Collaboration Tools for Less
At the end of this comparison, IceWarp is the obvious winner. But if you’re still worried about switching, IceWarp even offers streamlined data migration. This effective microservice will transfer your entire company’s emails, contacts, and calendars in just a few clicks—quickly, securely, and with zero downtime.
If you’re a Microsoft 365 user, there’s never been a better time to make the affordable, flexible switch to IceWarp. Trust us, both your colleagues and your yearly budget will thank you.
Discover How Much You Can Save by Switching from M365 to IceWarp, and You’ll Never Go Back!
