Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your service ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at cloud backup that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is offered across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs detailed features for writing documents, however if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to be able to write basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare 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 use regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they must be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to assist users develop the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
Ideas might recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous companies are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other business, a million of which also 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration included later in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that function has considering that been included.
It is likewise much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within companies. It is important to bear in mind that you might face compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a company need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you generally just keep in mind or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes extremely specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely required and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration till the present day.