Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
Just 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 service must 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 work as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the value of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just affects 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 satisfied 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.
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 lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires comprehensive functions for composing documents, but if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to have the ability to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the https://itleaders.com.au/it-solutions-for-education-government/ power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text styles that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word https://itleaders.com.au/managed-it-services/ has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they should be included after the collaborative element of the file is finished.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to assist users create the very best file possible. This includes the design and writing in overall.
Concepts might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
In addition, when documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other business, a million of which likewise 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 far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has actually since been included.
It is also easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for collaborating within companies. It is essential to bear in mind 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 provide on that promise.
Given that partnership has actually been a centerpiece it solutions for mining industry throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does a service need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you typically only keep in mind or write brief internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word might be absolutely required and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has 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.