Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When thinking about whether your business should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, however the importance of your files might form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied 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 subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, other than possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company requires extensive functions for composing files, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to have the ability to write basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use regularly, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they should be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, 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 overall.
For example, Ideas might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those using 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, once files 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 managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive practically instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, specifically 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 added.
It is also easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better business it support gold coast for working together within companies. It is very important to bear in mind that you might face compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that partnership has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a business need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you normally only take notes or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes very specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other companies, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the functions found on Word might be absolutely essential and force you towards M365.
