Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your company ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features 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 disadvantages of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually only impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription 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.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter plan 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 files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires thorough features for writing documents, but if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who want to be able to write basic documents 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. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be added after the collaborative aspect of the document is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to assist users create the very best file possible. This includes the design and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas might recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, once documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of organizations are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much 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 concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, especially 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 added.
It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and gold coast managed service provider you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within companies. It is essential to remember that you may encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses really specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending files to other companies, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the features found on Word could be absolutely essential 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 actually continued our partnership until the present day.