Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, however the importance of your documents could form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just impacts storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
Microsoft offers its 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 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 files 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 economical offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs thorough functions for composing documents, but 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 college students who want to be able to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be added after the collective element of the document is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional features to assist users develop the best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout 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.
In addition, when documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much 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.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far 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 constructed as specific, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership included later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people concurrently, saving to the chosen drive nearly instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that function has since been added.
It is also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within companies. It is necessary to bear in mind that you may face compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you managed services brisbane generally only keep in mind or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes very particular formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other companies, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be definitely needed and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership until today day.