Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your company must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, however the importance of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally only affects storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 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, however users then lose 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 browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many inexpensive offering would it services for education be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business needs extensive features for writing files, but if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who want to have the ability to write standard documents 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. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be included after the collective element of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not enable for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to assist users develop the best file possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can business it support quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Considering that many services are it services for professional services already using versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other companies, a countless which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability 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 constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive almost instantly.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has because been included.
It is likewise much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within business. It is important to bear in mind that you may run into compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does a service need in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you typically only remember or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes really specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending files to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be definitely required and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.