Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your service should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, but the value of your documents might form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features 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, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just impacts storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased 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.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every business requires extensive features for composing files, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to have the ability to write basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
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 table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they should be included after the collaborative element of the document is ended up.
Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to assist users produce the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
Ideas may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas may 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 correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, when documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that many services are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other business, a countless which likewise use 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, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that function has considering that been added.
It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within companies. It is gold coast it important to keep in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does an organization requirement in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you usually only remember or write brief internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses really particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be absolutely needed and force 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 continued our collaboration until the present day.