Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
How much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your business should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, but the value of your files 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 much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally only affects storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
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 membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business requires detailed features for composing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who want to have the ability to write basic documents with little formatting 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 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 tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they must be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is Helpful resources ended up.
Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to assist users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
Ideas might suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use 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.
Additionally, once documents reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that lots of businesses are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, 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.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that function has considering that been added.
It is likewise easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for collaborating within companies. It is very important to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you normally only bear in mind or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes really specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word could be absolutely needed and require you towards 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 continued our partnership till the present day.