Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
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 thinking about whether your organization ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, however the significance of your files might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will 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, each month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just impacts storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased 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 must be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than perhaps 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 sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among healthcare it these rates works for you.
Features
Not every business needs thorough functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there it solutions for manufacturing industry is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to have the ability to compose standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collaborative element of the file is finished.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to help users produce the best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, once documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many businesses are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other business, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions it services for transportation and logistics than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically instantly.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has considering that been included.
It is also much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for collaborating within business. It is very important to remember that you may run into compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, just how much does a company need in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you usually only remember or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely particular format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely essential and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration till the present day.