Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features 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 accomplish.
When thinking about whether your business must utilize 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 function as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the significance of your files could form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each might impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually just impacts storage space and availability of the Word desktop it support services 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, 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 should 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 below:
A grid showing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, other than maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires extensive features for composing files, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to be able to write basic documents 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. All of it comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you use consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they should be added after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to help users create the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
For example, Ideas might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once files reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of organizations are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents 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, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually since been included.
It is likewise easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears right away when trying 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 appear, Google Docs is definitely better for teaming up within business. It is essential to bear in mind that you may encounter compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does a company need in their word processing program? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you generally 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 organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending files to other services, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be definitely needed and require you toward 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 actually continued our partnership up until the present day.