Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your company needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the significance of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout 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 partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally just impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose out 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 should be lacked a it support brisbane web browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered across all these memberships, 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 dent in your general storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business requires extensive features for composing files, however if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who want to be able to compose basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
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 version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they should be included after the collaborative element of the document is completed.
Google's offering does not permit for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style basic, 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 extra functions to help users create the best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Ideas may recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, 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 proficient at handling long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other business, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several individuals concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually because been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for collaborating within companies. It is important 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 documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you normally only bear in mind or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses very specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other services, Word and 365 needs to guarantee 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 absolutely needed and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration until the present day.