Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
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 accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make Additional resources or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the significance of your documents might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could 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 difference in tiers generally only affects storage area and schedule 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 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 includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be it services for education lacked a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the rates 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, except possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business needs extensive features for writing documents, however if it support for healthcare you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to be able to write standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you use consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they should be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is ended up.
Google's offering does not enable for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to assist users develop the very best file possible. This includes the design and writing in total.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, 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 adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of businesses are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far 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 specific, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has because been included.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within business. It is important to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. 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 guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you usually only bear in mind or write short internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely particular format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only 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 could be absolutely necessary and require you towards 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 actually continued our collaboration up until today day.