Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
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 needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the significance of your documents could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally just affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, it for professional services however 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 should be run out of a web internet browser.
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business requires extensive features for composing documents, but if you utilize your word processing program to compose more Great post to read than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who wish to be able to compose basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a https://jsbin.com/joqumudiko web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything boils 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 use regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific changes 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 files you can. This makes design simple, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to assist users produce the best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
For instance, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most notably, Word and its desktop apps use performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as documents reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that feature has since been included.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within companies. It is necessary to bear in mind that you might encounter compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that collaboration has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you normally just keep in mind or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be definitely needed and require you toward 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 partnership up until the present day.