Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your company should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your files could form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some it services of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other 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 run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs comprehensive features for writing files, 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 college students who want to be able to compose standard 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. All of it boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they should be added after the collective element of the document is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to assist users develop the best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, once files reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that many companies are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple individuals simultaneously, saving to the picked drive almost 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 collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has since been included.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within business. It is very important to remember that you might face compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. 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 pledge.
Given that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you typically only take notes or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out files to other services, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the features discovered on Word might be absolutely necessary 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 actually continued our partnership up until the present day.