Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your service 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 function as cloud-connected writing centers, however the significance of your files might form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally only affects storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not 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 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 need to be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs comprehensive features for composing files, but if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who want 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 does not compare the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they ought to be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, 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 utilize all its extra functions to help users develop the best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, once files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many companies are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other companies, 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 capacity 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 built as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually considering that been included.
It is also much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for collaborating within business. It is essential to remember that you might face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, business it services they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
If you generally just remember or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses very specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word might be definitely essential and require you toward M365.
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 actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.