Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your business should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually only impacts storage space 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 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 need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company requires extensive features for composing documents, 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 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. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features 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 version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they must be added after the collective element of the file is completed.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to help users develop the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
Ideas may recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, when files reach managed services brisbane a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of companies are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns 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, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals concurrently, saving to the picked drive practically instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has actually because been added.
It is also much easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within business. It is essential to bear in mind that you may run into compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you usually just take notes or write short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes very particular format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that 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 exclusively on these applications, however the functions found on Word could be definitely required and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration until today day.