Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your organization needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually just affects storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 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.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires detailed features for writing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to be able to write basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they ought to be included after the collective element of the document is ended up.
Google's offering does not permit for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to help users produce the best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, once files reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many companies are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a million of 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has since been added.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change permissions for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should 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 absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is very important to remember that you might face compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a company requirement in Browse around this site their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you generally only bear in mind or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending documents 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 productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word might be absolutely necessary and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership till today day.