Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your organization should 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 act as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the value of your documents could form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just impacts storage space and availability 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 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most low-cost 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 figure out which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs extensive features for composing files, but if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who want to have the ability to write basic papers 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. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they must be included after the collective element of the file is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to help users develop the best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance throughout platforms. Those using 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.
Thinking about that numerous organizations are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals concurrently, saving to the picked drive nearly immediately.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has because been added.
It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for collaborating within companies. It is very important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you normally only remember or write short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses really specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, but the functions found on Word might be definitely needed and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership until today day.
