Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your company should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance of your files might form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just affects storage area and schedule 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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 comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires comprehensive features for writing documents, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who wish to have the ability to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you use managed it support services consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they must be included after the collective aspect of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not permit for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design easy, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to help users develop the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily 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 documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many organizations are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other companies, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even 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 constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has considering that been included.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears immediately 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 issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within companies. It is necessary to remember that you may encounter compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you generally only bear in mind or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes extremely specific format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership until today day.