Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your business needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the significance of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally only affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs detailed features for composing documents, but if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who want to be able to compose standard documents with little format 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 boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs 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 should be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most You can find out more visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users produce the best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Additionally, once files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, 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 throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive nearly instantly.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually because been added.
It is likewise simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for teaming up within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize 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 deliver on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a business need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you generally just take notes or write brief internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely necessary and require you toward 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 till the present day.