Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the significance of your files might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just affects storage area and availability of the Word desktop 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 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires detailed features for composing 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 a fantastic application for university student who wish to have the ability 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. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
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 tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they must be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is completed.
Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style simple, 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 extra features to help users produce the best file possible. This includes the design and writing in total.
Ideas might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when files reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Considering that many companies are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes 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.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, totally formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive almost instantly.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that feature has actually given that been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files quickly 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 must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for working together within companies. It is very important to remember that you might encounter compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that cooperation has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? managed it services It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you generally only remember or compose brief internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective elements 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 organization is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, however the features found on Word could be absolutely necessary and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership up until today day.
