Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
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 achieve.
When considering whether your service should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value of your files could form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally only impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of inexpensive offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires comprehensive functions for composing files, but if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who wish to have the ability to write basic papers with little format 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 comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you use consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collaborative element of the document is completed.
However, Google's offering does not permit particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to assist users develop the best document possible. This consists of the design and writing in overall.
For instance, Ideas might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the it services next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, when files reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other business, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much 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 individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people simultaneously, saving to the selected drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little 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 added.
It is likewise simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to change permissions for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within companies. It is important to bear in mind that you might face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Given that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you generally just take notes or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses very specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending files to other services, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind 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 choice based solely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be absolutely required and force 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 partnership until the present day.