Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your organization should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the significance of your files could form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Prices
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 typically only affects storage area 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 pleased 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.
On the other hand, 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 available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs comprehensive functions for writing documents, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students 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 doesn't compare the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, meaning they need to be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
However, Google's offering does not allow for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users create the best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other business, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built cloud solutions gold coast as specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several individuals simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that function has because been added.
It is likewise much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to change approvals for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within business. It is necessary to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that cooperation has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, how much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you typically only bear in mind or write short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses very particular format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure 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 decision based solely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be definitely necessary and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration till today day.