Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your business ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the significance of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just impacts storage area and availability 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 have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses 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 membership comes with 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 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 most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires thorough features for composing files, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who wish to have the ability to write standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they must be added after the collaborative aspect of the document is completed.
Google's offering does not allow for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users create the very best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in overall.
For example, Ideas might recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the it support companies brisbane desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has actually given that been included.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for collaborating within business. It is important to remember that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you typically just take notes or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
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 decision based exclusively on these applications, however the functions found on Word could be absolutely required and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration until today day.