Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When thinking about whether Find more info your business should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the value of your documents could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically 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 uses 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 just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be ample 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 company needs detailed features for composing documents, but if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to be able to write standard documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you use regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is ended up.
Google's offering does not permit for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users develop the very best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in overall.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to get rid of jargon 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 significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once files reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of businesses are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals concurrently, conserving to the selected drive almost instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has since been added.
It is likewise much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within companies. It is essential to bear in mind that you may encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a business need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you generally just keep in mind or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other organizations, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely needed and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till today day.