Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends business it support brisbane upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your business ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing centers, but the importance of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally only affects storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires detailed features for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to have the ability to write standard documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it boils 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 regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they should be added after the collaborative aspect of the document is completed.
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 aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
Concepts may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, when documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, completely formed programs, with the ability of online partnership included later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people concurrently, saving to the chosen drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has because been included.
It is also easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears instantly 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 avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for teaming up within business. It is important to bear in mind that you might face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you usually only bear in mind or write brief internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the features found on Word could be definitely essential and require you toward 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 partnership till today day.