Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your company needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally just affects storage area 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 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.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every business needs extensive features for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to write basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all 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, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, meaning they need to be included after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the fixed price it support next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other business, a countless which likewise use Word worldwide.
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 specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive nearly immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has actually considering that been included.
It is also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for collaborating within business. It is very important to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that cooperation has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you usually just remember or write short internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes really specific formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be definitely essential and force you toward 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 actually continued our partnership until the present day.