Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your service 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 serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and business it services have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually only impacts storage area and schedule 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 need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its Great site 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 must be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates 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, other than possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be ample to house https://jsbin.com/vurumutado all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs extensive functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processing program 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 be able to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, implying they need to be added after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to help users produce the very best file possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
Concepts may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide performance across 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.
Furthermore, as soon as files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of companies are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, completely formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the selected drive almost instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that function has because been included.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change permissions for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within business. It is essential to bear in mind that you might encounter compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that collaboration has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a business need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you typically only take notes or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the features found on Word might be absolutely required and require you toward 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 continued our collaboration till the present day.