Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your organization must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between managed it services each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the value of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Prices
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company requires thorough features for composing documents, however if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who want to have the ability to compose standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you utilize consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they ought to be included after the collective aspect of the document is ended up.
Google's offering does not enable for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to help users develop the best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
For example, Ideas might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of businesses are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually considering that been included.
It is likewise simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within business. It is necessary to bear in mind that you might face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you typically just bear in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses extremely specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the features found on Word could be absolutely required and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until today day.