Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your organization must use 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 function as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the significance of your documents could form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
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 impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers Get more info normally just impacts storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose out 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 need to be lacked a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs detailed features 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 a terrific application for college students 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 doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that it services for education you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they ought to be added after the collective element of the document is completed.
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 assist to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to help users create the best file possible. This includes the design and writing in total.
For example, Ideas might suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations 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 proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, once documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous services are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening documents from other business, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the healthcare it services crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, completely formed programs, with the ability of online partnership included later in their life. Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several individuals simultaneously, saving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags somewhat 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 actually considering that been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for collaborating within business. It is important to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that collaboration has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you generally only bear in mind or write short internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes very particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Bear 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 choice based entirely on these applications, however the features found on Word might be definitely essential and require you toward 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 actually continued our partnership until the present day.