Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your service should use 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 work as cloud-connected writing centers, however the value of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just impacts storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 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 must be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed 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 overall 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.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires detailed functions for composing files, but if you utilize 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 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. Everything 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 tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they should be added after the collective element of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to assist users produce the very best document possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
Ideas may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those using 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.
Additionally, as soon as 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.
Considering that lots of businesses are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
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.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has because been added.
It is also simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't gold coast managed service provider as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within business. It is important to keep in mind that you might face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a business need in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you usually only bear in mind or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes extremely specific formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be definitely essential and require you towards 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 collaboration till the present day.