Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your service ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your documents might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just affects storage area and accessibility 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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 internet browser.
A grid showing the prices 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, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires comprehensive functions for composing documents, but if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who want to have the ability to compose standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not 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 use consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they should be added after the collective element of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to help users create the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as 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.
Thinking about that lots of services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer 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 much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals concurrently, conserving to the selected drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, especially 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 likewise easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change approvals for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is necessary to remember that you may face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, just how much does a service requirement in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you generally only keep in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses really specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other organizations, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Keep 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 decision based entirely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely required and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration till the present day.