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 thinking about whether your company should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just impacts storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership features 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 readily 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 dent in your general storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many inexpensive 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 figure out which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every company needs comprehensive features for writing documents, but if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to have the ability to compose basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does business it support have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, implying they need to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is ended up.
Google's offering does not enable for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users develop the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
Ideas might recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use 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, when documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many businesses are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise use 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.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has actually given that been included.
It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears right away 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 large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within business. It is necessary to remember that you might face compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you typically just remember or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Keep 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 exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be definitely required and require 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 continued our partnership until today day.
