Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the significance of your documents could form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually just 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 need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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 membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be more than enough to house all healthcare it of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace it managed services will figure out which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires comprehensive functions for writing 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 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 it services for professionals of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize 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, implying they need to be included after the collective aspect of the document is ended up.
Google's offering does not enable for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to help users create the best file possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those using 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.
Additionally, as soon as files reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many businesses are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other business, a countless which likewise use Word worldwide.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast 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 considering that been included.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within business. It is important to keep in mind that you might run into compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that partnership has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a business requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you usually only remember or compose brief internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses very particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending files to other organizations, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be definitely needed and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership up until the present day.