Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your company needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, but the value of your files could form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just affects storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses 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 subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs thorough features for writing files, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity 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. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they ought to be included after the collaborative element of the document is on site it support services completed.
However, Google's offering does not permit particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to assist users produce the best file possible. This consists of the design and writing in total.
For example, Ideas may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that many organizations are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other companies, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration included later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has given that been added.
It is likewise much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely better for working together within business. It is important to keep in mind that you may encounter compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you normally only take notes or write brief internal documents, it may behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes very specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features found on Word could be absolutely essential and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership up until the present day.