Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
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 achieve.
When considering whether your organization needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the significance of your documents could form your choice.
As users will see across M365 on premise voip systems and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just affects storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires detailed functions for writing files, but if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to have the ability 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 compare the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you use regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collaborative element of the file is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Ideas might recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when files reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous organizations are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening documents from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far 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 built as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the selected drive almost immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually because been added.
It is likewise easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for collaborating within business. It is important to bear in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you normally only take notes or write short internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely essential and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually 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 up until today day.