Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Partnership
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your service needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, however the significance of your files might 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 partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally only impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 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, however users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
As for how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every company needs detailed functions for writing files, but if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who want to be able to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything comes 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 utilize regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they need to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to it services create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to help users develop the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once files reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous businesses are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to 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.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, completely formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive nearly immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that function has actually since been added.
It is likewise easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability 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 need to 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 certainly much better for working together within companies. It is important to remember that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you typically just bear in mind or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses really specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other companies, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be absolutely needed and require you toward 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 today day.