This document outlines a successful implementation of a hybrid email solution where Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are used simultaneously for different users under the same domain (example.com). It uses split delivery to route inbound emails correctly to each platform.
To enable different departments to use different email platforms while sharing a unified domain.
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Marketing & Operations use Google Workspace (Gmail).
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Executive & IT Teams use Microsoft 365 (Outlook).
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Domain ownership | example.com verified in both Google and Microsoft |
| MX configuration | Pointed to Google Workspace |
| Routing control | Google Workspace must redirect emails to M365 when needed |
| DNS Records | SPF, DKIM, DMARC set up for both platforms |
| Email licenses | Valid licenses for both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 users |
✅ Step 1: Point MX Records to Google Workspace
Set your DNS MX records as follows (done via your DNS provider):
This ensures all incoming mail flows through Google first.
✅ Step 2: Create Users in the Correct Platform
| Email Address | Platform |
|---|---|
| [email protected] | Google Workspace |
| [email protected] | Google Workspace |
| [email protected] | Microsoft 365 |
| [email protected] | Microsoft 365 |
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Do not create Microsoft 365 users in Google Workspace unless dual delivery is required.
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Ensure Microsoft 365 users have mailboxes set up and licensed.
✅ Step 3: Configure Split Delivery in Google Workspace
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Log in to Google Admin Console
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Navigate to:
Apps → Google Workspace → Gmail → Routing → Routing Rules -
Click Add Setting
Configuration:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Setting Name | Split Delivery to M365 |
| Email messages to affect | Inbound |
| Envelope recipient matches regex | `^(ceo |
| Routing action | Change Route |
| Route name | Microsoft 365 SMTP |
| SMTP server | example-com.mail.protection.outlook.com |
| TLS required | Yes |
