Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Partnership
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 thinking about whether your company ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value of your files might form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might affect your workflow.
Prices
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides 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 should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic 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 dent in your total storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business requires thorough features for writing files, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to compose basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you use consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they need to be added after the collective aspect of the file is ended up.
Google's offering does not permit for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design basic, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to help users create the best document possible. This includes the design and writing in overall.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily 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 documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many businesses are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, 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 throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people concurrently, conserving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little 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 since been included.
It is also much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for teaming up within business. It is very important to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you typically only take notes or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research it support services study or utilizes extremely specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other companies, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
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 entirely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be definitely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.