Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your company should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, however the significance of your documents could form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks 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 relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just impacts storage area and availability 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 pleased 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 subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word files 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 extensive features for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose standard documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. All of it 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 utilize consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, suggesting they should be added after the collaborative aspect of the document is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to assist users produce the best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas may suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions 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 proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous organizations are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability 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 built as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals concurrently, saving to the chosen drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually since been included.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change approvals for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within business. It is very important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize 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 promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your microsoft 365 migration documents.
If you normally only keep in mind or compose brief internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the functions found on Word might be absolutely essential and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration up until the present day.