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 needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value of your files might form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just 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 dent in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires extensive features for composing files, but if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they ought to be added after the collaborative element of the document is finished.
However, Google's offering does not enable specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to help users produce the best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer 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.
Additionally, once files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership included later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people concurrently, saving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little 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, however that feature has considering that been included.
It is also simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to change permissions for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within business. It is necessary to keep in mind that you may face compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you usually just keep in mind or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses really particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely necessary and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.