Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Partnership
Just 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 thinking about whether your service ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing centers, but the significance of your documents could form your decision.
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 features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just impacts storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides 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.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic 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 damage in your overall storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs extensive functions for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to have the ability to compose basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't 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 capability to modify text styles that you utilize consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collective element of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not permit for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style easy, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to help users create the best file possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
Ideas may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, as soon as files reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many companies are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has actually considering that been added.
It is also simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability 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 must save the file to OneDrive to prevent managed services brisbane versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within business. It is important to keep in mind that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a service need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you generally just keep in mind or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses very particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out files to other services, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership till the present day.