Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your organization ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the significance of your files might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just affects storage space and schedule 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other managed services brisbane 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 run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your general 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 files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs thorough functions for composing files, however if you utilize 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 a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit particular modifications 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 simple, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to assist users develop the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
For instance, Ideas might suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when files reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Considering that numerous services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other companies, a countless which also 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive almost immediately.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually since been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change permissions for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
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 very important to bear in mind that you might encounter compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that collaboration has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
If you generally only take notes or write brief internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely particular format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that 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 decision based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word could be definitely needed and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration till today day.