Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your business must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages 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 rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically only affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 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, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, 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.
As for how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires extensive functions for composing documents, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who want to have the ability to write standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they should be included after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to help users create the best file possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Concepts may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing 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.
Additionally, when files reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous organizations are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people 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 collaborative link in Word online, however that function has since been added.
It is also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function 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 appear, Google Docs is definitely better for teaming up within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this fixed price it support area.
Verdict
So, just how much does a business need in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you normally only keep in mind or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses really specific format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be definitely necessary 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 until the present day.