Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require 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 business needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, but the value of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's 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 might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically only affects storage space and accessibility 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 have 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.
On the other hand, 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 browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic 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 dent in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs thorough features for writing documents, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to have the ability to write basic documents with little format 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 boils 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 consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its You can find out more online offering, indicating they ought to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is finished.
However, Google's offering does not enable specific adjustments 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 simple, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to help users create the very best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
For instance, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance 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 documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, when files reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of companies are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much 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 developed as specific, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags a little 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 feature has actually since been included.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter approvals for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within companies. It is necessary to remember that you may run into compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a service need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you generally only remember or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes extremely particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely required 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 continued our collaboration up until the present day.