Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you require 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 difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing centers, but the value of your files could form your decision.
As users will cloud solutions gold coast see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing 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.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically 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 have 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.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs detailed features for composing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who wish to be able to compose standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, meaning they ought to be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to help users produce the very best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in overall.
Ideas may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality 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.
In addition, when files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that lots of services are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far 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 constructed as specific, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the selected drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison 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 also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is very important to remember that you might run into compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you generally just remember or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.
