Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your organization should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, but the importance of your documents could form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically only impacts storage area and accessibility 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 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 membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of affordable 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 identify which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs detailed functions for writing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who want to be able to compose standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they ought to be included after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users develop the best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
Concepts may suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, when files reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many organizations are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other companies, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people concurrently, saving to the chosen drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually given that been included.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within companies. It is essential to keep in mind that you may face compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that cooperation has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you generally just remember or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
Bear in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.