Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your company ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the value of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only impacts storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop Go to this site apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires thorough functions for composing files, but if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to be able to write basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they need to be included after the collaborative 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 also has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to assist users create the very best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of organizations are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a million of which also 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.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive nearly immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually considering that been added.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within business. It is essential to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does a company requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you normally just take notes or write brief internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes really specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
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 exclusively on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely required and require you towards 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 till the present day.