Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your business must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, however the importance of your documents could form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
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 membership includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires thorough features for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who wish to be able to write standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they need to be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design easy, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
Ideas may suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their managed it services gold coast PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes 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.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has actually because been added.
It is also simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within business. It is very important to keep in mind that you might face compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Given that partnership has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a business need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you generally just take notes or write short internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes very particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be definitely needed and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has 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 today day.