Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you require out Website link of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your company ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually only affects storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased 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 should be lacked a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except perhaps 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 it solutions for schools sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs comprehensive functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who want to have the ability to compose standard documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything 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 use regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, meaning they should be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable specific modifications to paragraph spacing or managed it services paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes design basic, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
For example, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance 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 particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many services are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening documents from other business, a million of which also 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 much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive nearly immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has actually given that been added.
It is likewise easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must 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 certainly better for working together within companies. It is important to remember that you might run into compatibility problems with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a business need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you typically only bear in mind or write short internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes extremely particular format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the features found on Word might be definitely required and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership up until the present day.