Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your organization must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the significance of your files might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally 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 low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage 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 most economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs http://johnnymbka192.timeforchangecounselling.com/managed-it-services-sustain-a-smart-infrastructure-network-at-your-office thorough features for writing files, however if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who wish to be able to compose basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they should be included after the collaborative element of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not enable for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
Ideas might suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, once files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form documents without lag.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening documents from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals concurrently, saving to the selected drive nearly instantaneously.
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, however that feature has since been included.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for working together within companies. It is essential to remember that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, just how much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you typically only remember or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes really specific format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending files to other companies, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the functions found on Word might be absolutely essential and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till today day.