Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your organization must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the value of your documents could form your choice.
As users it support services - itleaders.com.au will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually just affects storage space and schedule 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, 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 need to be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires thorough features for composing files, but if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who wish to be able to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet 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 functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you use consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be added after the collective element of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not enable for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes design basic, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to assist users develop the best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations 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 simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Thinking about that lots of services are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
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 constructed as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that feature has actually since been included.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
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 remember that you might encounter compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a company need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you usually only take notes or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other organizations, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be absolutely required 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 collaboration up until the present day.