Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes 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 attempting to achieve.
When thinking about whether your company must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the importance of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages 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 distinction in tiers generally only impacts storage area and accessibility of the it support for retail Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not 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 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 should be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who want to have the ability to compose basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use regularly, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they should be added after the collective aspect of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not enable particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to help users develop the best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, when files reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that numerous services are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less 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 capability to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, especially 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 given that been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is it services for professional services necessary to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that it solutions for mining industry guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does a business 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 collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses very specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.
Remember that 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 decision based entirely on these applications, however the features found on Word could be absolutely required and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration till the present day.