Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Collaboration
When considering whether your company ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the significance of your files might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally only affects storage space and accessibility 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but 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 internet browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing 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 perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs extensive features for composing documents, however if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to be able 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 compare the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they should be added after the collective aspect of the document is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
Ideas may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance across 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.
In addition, as soon as documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other companies, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, 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.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as http://reidnxcw436.tearosediner.net/what-is-outsourcing-it-managed-solutions-as-well-as-why-you-need-them specific, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that feature has actually since been included.
It is also much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within companies. It is essential to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a service need in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you normally just remember or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes really specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending documents to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be definitely essential and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration until the present day.