Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your company must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing centers, however the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will take a on site support look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually just affects storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 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 on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires detailed functions for composing files, but if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to be able to compose basic papers 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. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collective aspect of the document is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to help users produce the very best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Considering that many businesses are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains 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, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has given that been included.
It is likewise easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter approvals for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within companies. It is very important to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you generally only take notes or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes extremely specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other companies, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only 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 definitely essential and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration till the present day.