Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your service needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the value of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
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 distinction in tiers generally just impacts storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose 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 must be lacked a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices 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 possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business needs extensive functions for writing files, 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 have the ability to compose standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web 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 edit text designs that you use regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they must be included after the collaborative element of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
Concepts may recommend a header format rather of https://raymondbvox.bloggersdelight.dk/2023/11/17/microsoft-365-business-premium-vs-e3-and-one-powerful-tool-in-both-that-will-revolutionize-your-it-3/ manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout 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.
In addition, when files reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of companies are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues 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, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included 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 people concurrently, saving to the selected drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has actually because been included.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for collaborating within business. It is necessary to bear in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you usually just remember or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word could be definitely required and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.