Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your organization must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the significance of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only affects storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available 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 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 just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company needs thorough functions for composing documents, but if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to be able to write standard documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text styles that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they should be included after the collaborative element of the document is ended up.
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 assist to produce the most aesthetically striking documents 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 expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional features to help users create the best file possible. This includes the design and writing in total.
Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across 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, once files reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many businesses are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, totally formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive almost instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly 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 actually since been added.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within companies. It is very important to keep in mind that you might face compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you typically just gold coast it take notes or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses really particular format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other services, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word might be definitely needed and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration until the present day.