Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your organization must 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 act as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the importance of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually only impacts storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing 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 maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of inexpensive offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every business needs extensive functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who want to be able to write standard documents 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. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collective element of the on site support file is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional functions to assist users produce the best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
For instance, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use 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.
In addition, once documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many services are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
When it concerns 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.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive nearly instantly.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has actually given that been added.
It is also much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within companies. It is essential to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a company requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you generally only bear in mind or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes really particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
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 entirely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be definitely required and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has 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 until today day.