Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your business must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, however it support for professional services 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 stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only impacts storage area and availability 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as managed it service provider low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing 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 possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Google Docs is https://raymondbvox.bloggersdelight.dk/2024/02/21/why-managed-information-services-are-important-for-your-organization-4/ an excellent application for college students who want to have the ability to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't 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 ability to edit text designs that you use regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they must be added after the collective element of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to assist users create the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
Ideas may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, when documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of companies are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later on 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 several individuals simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive practically instantly.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has since been included.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter approvals for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is just 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 absolutely much better for working together within business. It is very important to keep in mind that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you normally just keep in mind or compose brief internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely specific formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind 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 decision based solely on these applications, but the features found on Word might be definitely required and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership until today day.