Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your company must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications it support services could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, however the importance of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just affects storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied 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.
Every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of inexpensive offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires extensive features for writing documents, but if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web 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 functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you use regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they should be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to help users develop the best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may be to eliminate jargon 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 utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, as soon as files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous services are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise 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 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 developed as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has actually because been added.
It is also easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within business. It is essential to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate 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 compose brief internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes really specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending documents to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are only 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 features found on Word might be definitely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration until today day.