Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your business needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, however the significance of your files might form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
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 typically just impacts storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available 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 out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web 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 documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs detailed features for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to be able to write standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you use consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they should be added after the collective aspect of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not allow https://johnathanydte319.hpage.com/post1.html for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users develop the very best document possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly 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 certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability 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 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 partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people concurrently, conserving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually because been included.
It is likewise simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to 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 certainly better for teaming up within business. It is important to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that partnership has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
If you normally just bear in mind or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes really particular formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, but the functions found on Word might be definitely essential and force you towards 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 partnership up until the present day.