Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing centers, but the significance of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically 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 have to be satisfied with Word Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business requires detailed features for composing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to 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 ability to edit text styles that you utilize consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be added after the collective aspect of the file is completed.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to help users create the very best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in overall.
For instance, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps use performance 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.
Furthermore, once documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many businesses are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other business, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually since been added.
It is likewise easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for collaborating within companies. It is important to bear in mind that you may encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a business need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you normally only take notes or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Remember that 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 pc repairs gold coast these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be definitely essential and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually 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 collaboration till the present day.