Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
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 achieve.
When thinking about whether your company must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the value of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just impacts storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop 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 uses 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 features all its gold coast managed service provider web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of economical offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires detailed functions for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is it solutions for healthcare 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 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. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they should be included after the collective element of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to help users develop the best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
Concepts may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality across 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.
In addition, once it support for professional services files reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous organizations are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other companies, a million of 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 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 specific, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that function has given that been added.
It is also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter approvals for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within companies. It is necessary to bear in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that partnership has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely required and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration till the present day.