Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
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 accomplish.
When considering whether your service needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually just impacts storage space and schedule 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 need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses 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 subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority 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 thorough functions for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to have the ability to write standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. All of it 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 use consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collaborative element of the file is finished.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to assist users produce the very best file possible. This consists of the design and composing in overall.
Concepts may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across 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.
Furthermore, when documents reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous organizations are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, saving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, 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 easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for collaborating within business. It is essential to bear in mind that you may run into compatibility business it services problems 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 deliver on that guarantee.
Given that collaboration has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you normally just remember or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could 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 collaboration until today day.
