Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the value of your documents might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just affects storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty gold coast it support more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires thorough functions for writing files, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who wish to be able to compose basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collective element of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users produce the very best document possible. This includes the design and writing in total.
Ideas may suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, once 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 dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous organizations are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually since been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within companies. It is very important to remember that you might face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, just how much does a service requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you normally only remember or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be definitely needed and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership up until the present day.