Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your organization needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing centers, but the significance of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just impacts storage space 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 pleased with Word 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 readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs extensive features for writing documents, however if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose basic documents 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. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, implying they need to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most visually striking documents 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 make use of all its additional features to assist users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the design and writing in overall.
Ideas might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout 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 files reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of companies are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the picked drive practically instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has given that been included.
It is likewise simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for collaborating within business. It is very important to bear in mind that you may run into compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you typically just take notes or write brief internal files, it may it support companies brisbane behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other companies, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only 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, but the features found on Word might be definitely essential and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration till the present day.