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 upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your organization should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the value of your documents could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically only impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage 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 economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company requires comprehensive functions for writing documents, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who wish to be able to write basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text managed it services brisbane styles that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they should be included after the collaborative element of the document is completed.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
Ideas may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly 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 certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous organizations are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other companies.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple individuals concurrently, saving to the selected drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has considering that been added.
It is also simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is essential to keep in mind that you might run into compatibility problems with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, just how much does a service need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you usually just bear in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses really particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to ensure 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 decision based entirely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be absolutely needed and require you toward 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 collaboration up until the present day.