Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Cooperation
Just 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 service needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the value of your documents could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates 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 offered 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, however users then lose 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 need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires extensive functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to be able to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be included after the collective element of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to help users develop the very best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Ideas may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations may be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from it support the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals concurrently, saving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that function has considering that been included.
It is likewise simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That feature 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 large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within business. It is essential to remember that you might face compatibility problems with other companies 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 collaboration has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does a company requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses extremely specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be absolutely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration till the present day.