Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your company should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, however the significance of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just impacts storage area and availability 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 pleased 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.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area 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 figure out which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to be able to compose basic documents 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. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you use consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they ought to be added after the collective element of the document is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes style easy, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to assist users create the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, it support Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Considering that lots of services are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other business, 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 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 specific, fully formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has because been added.
It is also much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within business. It is necessary to remember that you may run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has said 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 been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, just how much does a business requirement in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you typically only take notes or write brief internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure 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 solely on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be definitely needed and require 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 continued our partnership up until the present day.