Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your organization ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the significance of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally only affects storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available 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, however 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 should be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires detailed functions for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who wish to be able to write standard 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 suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you utilize consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
However, Google's offering does not permit particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to assist users produce the very best file possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, when files reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous businesses are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership included later in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals simultaneously, saving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that feature has considering that been added.
It is likewise much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function 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 large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for working together within companies. It is essential to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that partnership has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you typically just take notes or write short internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.
Keep 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 exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely required and force 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 collaboration till the present day.