Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require 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 service must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value it services for mining of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions 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, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just affects storage space managed it services for education and schedule of the Word desktop app.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires detailed functions for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to have the ability to write 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. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text styles that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they should be added after the collective element of the document is it support for professional services finished.
However, Google's offering does not allow for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to assist users produce the best document possible. This consists of the design and writing in total.
Ideas may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might 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 appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can 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 specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive nearly immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has since been included.
It is also easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within business. It is important to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that cooperation has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does a business need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you normally just take notes or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other companies, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be definitely needed and require 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 until the present day.