Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your service should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally only affects storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 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, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities 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 strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents 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 detailed features for composing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to be able 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. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, implying they ought to be included after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
However, Google's offering does not enable specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
Concepts may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality 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.
Furthermore, once documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of businesses are currently using versions of Microsoft managed it support applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even 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 individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people concurrently, saving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that feature has since been included.
It is also simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within business. It is very important to bear in mind that you might face compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does a company requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you usually just take notes or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses very specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be absolutely essential and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership till the present day.