Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
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 business needs to 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 serve as cloud-connected composing centers, however the importance of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just affects storage area and accessibility 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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 internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every small business it support company requires comprehensive functions for writing documents, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to be able to write basic documents with little formatting 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. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they need to be included after the collective element of the document is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to help users create the very best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
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 offer performance 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.
Furthermore, once documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many businesses are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to 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 developed as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive nearly instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually given that been added.
It is also much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within business. It is important to remember that you may face compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that collaboration has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, just how much does a business requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you generally just bear in mind or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very particular format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely essential and require you towards M365.
