Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your company needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing centers, but the importance of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just affects storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 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, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
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.
As for how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business needs extensive features for writing documents, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to compose basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you utilize consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, meaning they should be included after the collective aspect of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes style easy, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the https://itleaders.com.au/it-support-services/managed-it-services/ assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to assist users create the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas might 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 simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as files reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous services are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the selected drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has actually since been included.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter approvals for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must 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 much better for collaborating within companies. It is very important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
If you normally just keep in mind or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes extremely specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out files to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the functions found on Word could be definitely essential and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration until the present day.