Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your company must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, however the significance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just affects storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however 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 must be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every company requires comprehensive functions for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be added after the collaborative element of the file is Extra resources finished.
Google's offering does not enable for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to assist users produce the best file possible. This consists of the design and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that numerous organizations are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other business, a countless which also utilize 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has actually given that been included.
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 feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within companies. It is essential to keep in mind that you may encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that cooperation has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a service need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you usually just bear in mind or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses really particular formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other services, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Remember 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 discovered on Word might be definitely needed and require you toward M365.
