Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When thinking about whether your business should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing centers, but the significance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription includes 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 how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs detailed functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who wish to have the ability to compose standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text styles that you utilize consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they must be included after the collective element of the file is ended up.
Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to help users create the best file possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
Concepts might recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, when documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of businesses are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, fully formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people concurrently, saving to the selected drive almost immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that feature has since been added.
It is likewise easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely better for working together within companies. It is important to remember that https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/2504656/dominickgtgg070/3_Action_Guide_to_Selecting_the_Right_Catastrophe_Recovery_Solution you may encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a business requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you generally only bear in mind or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just 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, however the features found on Word might be definitely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration up until today day.