Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your organization must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually only impacts storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
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.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires thorough features for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who want to have the ability to compose standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collaborative element of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not enable for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist 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 colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to assist users produce the best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
Concepts may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Additionally, as soon as documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Considering that many companies are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other business, a countless 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 far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation View website included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive almost instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has actually because been included.
It is also easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within business. It is important to keep in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you normally only remember or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes really particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be definitely needed and force 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 continued our collaboration up until today day.