Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your business should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing centers, however the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just affects 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft uses 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 includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires detailed functions for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to write basic documents 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. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, meaning they need to be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
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 templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to assist users produce the very best document possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
For example, Ideas might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to get rid of jargon 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.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, once documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous organizations are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when it support companies brisbane dealing with other business.
When it comes to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, completely formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has given that been added.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within business. It is necessary to keep in mind that you may face compatibility problems with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a company need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you generally just take notes or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and require you toward 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 continued our partnership up until the present day.