Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your company must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally 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 need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however 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 need to be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, 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 dent in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires thorough features for composing documents, however if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to be able 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 boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they must be included after the collective element of the document is completed.
However, Google's offering does not enable specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
Concepts may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations might be to get rid of lingo 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.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, once documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of services are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, and that can managed it service be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags a little 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 since been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely better for collaborating within companies. It is important to bear in mind that you may run into compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a service need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you usually only bear in mind or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses really specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be definitely necessary 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 partnership up until today day.