Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your business needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing it services gold coast centers, but the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally only affects storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered 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.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every business needs detailed features for writing documents, but if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who wish to be able to write standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you use regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they should be included after the collective element of the document is completed.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design basic, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help 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 overall.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations may 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 appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, once documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns 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.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly 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 also simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for collaborating within business. It is very important to remember that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you usually just bear in mind or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes extremely specific formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other companies, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be definitely needed and require you towards M365.
