Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Cooperation
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 cloud computing services about whether your organization should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance of your documents could form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally only impacts storage area and schedule 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 pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose 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 internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs extensive functions for composing documents, however if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to have the ability to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you use consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they should be added after the collective aspect of the document is finished.
However, Google's offering does not enable specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to assist users develop the very best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
Concepts may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations 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.
In addition, as soon as documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous companies are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other companies, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually since been added.
It is also much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears instantly 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 gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for teaming up within business. It is important to bear in mind that you may face compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you normally only keep in mind or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes very specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely essential and force 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 continued our collaboration until the present day.