Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your company ought to 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 function as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the significance of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually only 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 satisfied 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.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are managed it services brisbane - IT Leaders not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan 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.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires detailed features for writing documents, but if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they ought to be included after the collective aspect of the document is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to assist users create the very best document possible. This includes the design and writing in overall.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor managed it service of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance 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, as soon as files reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that lots of companies are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have https://itleaders.com.au/it-solutions-for-education-government/ the capacity to house much 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 built as specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has considering that been included.
It is also much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within business. It is essential to remember that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that partnership has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you generally just take notes or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word might be absolutely essential 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 collaboration up until the present day.