Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your service ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, however the significance of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in 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 different tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just impacts storage area and accessibility 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 uses 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.
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.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business needs detailed functions for writing documents, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they must be added after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes design basic, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to assist users develop the best document possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
Concepts might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in it services gold coast favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, as soon as files reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that lots of companies are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other business, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive nearly immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually considering that been included.
It is likewise easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within companies. It is very important to keep in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, how much does an organization requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you usually just keep in mind or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other companies, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely needed and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership till today day.