Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your service should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is on site support about stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually just impacts storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered 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, 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 must be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most inexpensive offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company needs detailed functions for writing documents, but if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who wish to be able to write basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you use regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they must be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional features to help users produce the best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
For example, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other business.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, totally formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people concurrently, saving to the chosen drive nearly instantly.
Word lags somewhat 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, but that feature has actually given that been added.
It is likewise much easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within companies. It is very important to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you typically only keep in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes very particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be absolutely required and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.