Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your service needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the significance of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
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 offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other cloud solutions brisbane 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 web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company needs detailed features for composing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who wish to be able to compose basic papers 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. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they ought to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most visually 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 help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to help users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing 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 when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous businesses are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows 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 concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even 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 private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals concurrently, saving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that feature has actually given that been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability 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 must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that partnership has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you typically only remember or compose brief internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes really particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be definitely needed and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration until today day.