Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your company needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the significance of your files might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
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, monthly, and have various tiers of voip phone system pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just impacts storage area and availability 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.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs comprehensive features for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who wish to be able to compose standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you use consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, indicating they should be included after the collective element of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to assist users create the best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Possibly most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of businesses are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other companies, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has considering that been added.
It is also much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations 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 prevent versioning problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for collaborating within companies. It is important to remember that you might encounter compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize 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 guarantee.
Given that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does a company need in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you generally only bear in mind or compose brief internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes really specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration up until the present day.