Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your company must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, however the significance of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally only affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic listed 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 damage in your overall storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business needs comprehensive functions for writing files, however if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who wish to be able to write basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you use consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not permit for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design 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 utilize all its additional functions to help users produce the very best document possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text tips might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, as soon as documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of businesses are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the it support services capability to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has actually since been included.
It is also easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is very important to remember that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you typically just bear in mind or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes extremely specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely essential and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration until the present day.