Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the importance of your documents might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might affect 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 distinction in tiers usually only affects storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose 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 need to be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the http://johnnymbka192.timeforchangecounselling.com/revolutionizing-transportation-with-managed-it-support-services-1 prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs detailed functions for composing documents, but if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who want to be able to compose standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they need to be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design easy, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to assist users create the very best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Concepts may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate 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 certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files 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 even more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive nearly immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly 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 because been added.
It is also easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within companies. It is essential to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you generally only bear in mind or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes really specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the features found on Word could be absolutely essential and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until today day.