Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
How much do you need 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 between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the significance of your files could form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
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.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually just affects storage space and accessibility 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 have 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 need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, other than maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs extensive features for writing files, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who want to be able to compose basic documents 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 comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you use consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they should be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is completed.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to assist users create the best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Ideas might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Additionally, once documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous companies are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, 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.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, fully it service gold coast formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later on 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, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually considering that been included.
It is also much easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function 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 large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within business. It is necessary to remember that you might face compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that partnership has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, just how much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you normally just take notes or write brief internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses really particular format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending documents to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Remember 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 choice based solely on these applications, but the features found on Word might be definitely needed and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration up until today day.