Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your company ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance of your files might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out 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 need to be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing 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 maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs comprehensive features for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to be able to compose standard documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, suggesting they should be added after the collaborative element of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not enable particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes style easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input it support companies brisbane brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to help users develop the very best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as documents reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that lots of services are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other companies, a countless which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the picked drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually considering that been added.
It is likewise much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within companies. It is essential to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that collaboration has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you typically just bear in mind or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely particular format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending documents to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be absolutely necessary and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.