Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
When thinking about whether your organization needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, but the importance of your documents could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing 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 drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally 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 need 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.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most economical offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company requires extensive functions for writing files, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't 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 capability to modify text designs that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collective element of the file is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to help users develop the best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of companies are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other companies, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the selected drive practically instantly.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually since been added.
It is also simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears right away 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 problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within companies. It is important to bear in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you usually only bear in mind or compose brief internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely essential and force 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 actually continued our collaboration until today day.