Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your company should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, however the importance of your files might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just affects storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available 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.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to be able to write standard documents 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. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they need to be added after the collaborative element of the file is ended up.
Google's offering does not permit for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to assist users create the best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those using 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.
Thinking about that lots of businesses are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other companies, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple individuals concurrently, saving to the chosen drive nearly immediately.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that function has actually since been included.
It is likewise simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is just 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 large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for collaborating within companies. It is very important to keep in mind that you might face compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you typically just take notes or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes very specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be definitely needed and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.