Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your service should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the value of your files could form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally only impacts storage area and schedule 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your overall 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 ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs it services gold coast detailed functions for composing documents, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text styles that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they must be added after the collective element of the document is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional functions to help users produce the very best document possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as files reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that lots of organizations are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes 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, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive nearly instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison 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 function has considering that been added.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for collaborating within companies. It is necessary to bear in mind that you may encounter compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that cooperation has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you generally just remember or write brief internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes very specific format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely essential and force you towards M365.
