Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When thinking about whether your service ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the significance of your documents could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks 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 refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually only affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but 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 must be run out of a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not 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 inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every company needs detailed functions for composing documents, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who wish to be able to write basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs is enough.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they should be included after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
However, Google's offering does not permit particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to assist users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that many businesses are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other companies, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive almost instantly.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually because been added.
It is also much easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for working together within business. It is necessary to keep in mind that you may encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on server replications that pledge.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you generally only bear in mind or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses really specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to 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 entirely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be definitely needed and require 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 actually continued our collaboration till the present day.