Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When thinking about whether your business needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your documents could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just affects storage area and availability 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 have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides 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 membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires extensive functions for composing files, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who want to be able to compose standard papers with little format 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 comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they need to be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users create the best file possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
Ideas may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, once business it support brisbane 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 documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns 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, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive nearly instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that feature has actually considering that been added.
It is also simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely better for working together within business. It is important to remember that you may run into compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that collaboration has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does a business requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you usually just keep in mind or write brief internal documents, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
Bear 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 solely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be definitely essential and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.