Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
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 thinking about whether your business needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your documents might form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and manufacturing it services downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally just impacts storage space and accessibility 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not 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 most affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires comprehensive functions for writing files, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it comes 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 use regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they need to be included after the collaborative element of the document is ended up.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional functions to help users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in overall.
For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, once documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous services are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other business, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. it services for retail On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has given that been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that cooperation has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a service need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you normally just keep in mind or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses very specific formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely necessary and force you towards 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 continued our partnership until today day.