Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
When thinking about whether your organization should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be cloud solutions the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value of your documents could shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically only impacts 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 pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available across 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 dent in your overall storage, other than possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires thorough functions for composing documents, but if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who wish to have the ability to compose standard documents with little formatting 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. All of it boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, meaning they should be added after the collective element of the document is finished.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users create the very best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
Concepts may suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those using 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.
Additionally, as soon as documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that many services are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other business, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, fully formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, saving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually considering that been included.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within companies. It is necessary to keep in mind that you may face compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does a business need in their word processing program? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you generally only remember or write short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
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 entirely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely required and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership up until today day.