Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your company needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the importance of your files could form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Homepage Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every company requires thorough features for composing files, but 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 college students who wish to be able to compose standard papers 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. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to help users create the best document possible. This includes the design and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, when documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous businesses are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people concurrently, saving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually given that been added.
It is also much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply 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 certainly better for working together within business. It is very important to remember that you might encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a service requirement in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you usually only bear in mind or write short internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely particular format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, however the functions found on Word could be absolutely necessary and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration till today day.