Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
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 accomplish.
When considering whether your company ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the importance of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just affects storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
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.
On the other hand, 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 how much drive storage is 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 total storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs extensive functions for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to have the ability 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. All of it boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, indicating they should be added after https://pastelink.net/fkq0ijbq the collaborative element of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not allow for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just needs to replace 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 create the best document possible. This includes the design 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.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout 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, as soon as documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous organizations are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people concurrently, saving to the chosen drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has considering that been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for working together within business. It is essential to remember that you may encounter compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you normally just take notes or write short internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses really specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other companies, Word and 365 needs to guarantee 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 exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely essential and require you towards 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 till today day.