Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your company ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, but the importance of your files might shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in 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 take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only affects storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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 need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available throughout 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 most 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 a lot of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs comprehensive features for composing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to write standard 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. All of it comes 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 regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they ought to be included after the collective aspect of the file is completed.
However, Google's offering does not permit particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, 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 utilize all its additional features to help users develop the best document possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
For example, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, when documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that lots of organizations are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several individuals concurrently, saving to the chosen office 365 staged migration drive nearly immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison 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 feature has actually since been added.
It is also simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for teaming up within business. It is necessary to keep in mind that you might run into compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though 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.
Given that partnership has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a service need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you usually only remember or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes really specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 should 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 towards 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 till the present day.