Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your organization should use Microsoft 365 it solutions for professional services or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, however the importance of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences 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 different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only impacts storage area 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 pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft uses 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 should be run out of a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who wish to be able to compose standard documents 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 suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability 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, meaning they ought to be added after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design easy, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to help users create the best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other business, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even 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 constructed as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google managed it services for education Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive practically 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 collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually considering that been included.
It is likewise easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is essential to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they managed it support are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that partnership has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a business need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you usually only keep in mind or write short internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely essential 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 actually continued our collaboration till the present day.