Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your company must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally only impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available 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, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total 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 inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business needs comprehensive features for writing files, however if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who want to have the ability to compose standard documents 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. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online Go to the website offering, meaning they ought to be added after the collaborative element of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes style easy, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to help users produce the very best document possible. This includes the layout and composing in overall.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may 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 just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, when documents reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that many companies are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast 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 actually given that been added.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within business. It is very important to keep in mind that you might face compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though 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.
Considered that partnership has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you generally just remember or write short internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other organizations, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely essential and force you towards M365.
