Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your business must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance 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 a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just affects storage area and accessibility 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on 3cx remote work force 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 need to be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires thorough features for writing files, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to write basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you use consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they must be added after the collaborative aspect of the document is completed.
Google's offering does not permit for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to help users develop the very best file possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
For example, Ideas might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once files reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous services are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other companies, a countless which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive almost instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has since been added.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change authorizations for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must 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 companies. It is essential to remember that you may run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, how much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you usually just bear in mind or write brief internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes really specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Remember 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 choice based exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be definitely required and force you toward 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 today day.