Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your business ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the importance of your documents could form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally just impacts storage space and schedule 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 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 subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not 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 space on Microsoft's a lot of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires thorough features for composing documents, but if you use your word processor 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 have the ability 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 hold a candle to 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 modify text designs that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collective aspect of the file is ended up.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand 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 layout and composing in total.
For example, Ideas may suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, once documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many services are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, 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 throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has actually since been included.
It is also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for collaborating within companies. It is essential to keep in mind that you may encounter compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you usually just bear in mind or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses extremely particular format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 Helpful hints and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features found on Word could be absolutely needed and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration until today day.