Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your business should utilize 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 serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the significance of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences 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, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only affects 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription includes 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 throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs thorough features for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to be able to write standard documents with little formatting 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 comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you use consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they should be added after the collective element of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to assist users produce the very best file possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, 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 documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, when documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many businesses are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a countless 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 even more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership included later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has considering that been added.
It is also much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within companies. It is necessary to bear in mind that you may face compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that 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 location.
Verdict
So, just how much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you generally just bear in mind or write short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
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 choice based solely on these applications, but the features found on Word might be definitely essential and force you towards what is cyber security 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 partnership up until the present day.