Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes 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 accomplish.
When considering whether your company should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the importance of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few 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 downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just affects storage area and accessibility 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out on other 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 need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs detailed features for composing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who want to have the ability to write basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability 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 out on from its online offering, indicating they must be included after the collective aspect of the document is ended up.
Google's offering does not enable for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer performance 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.
Furthermore, as soon as documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many businesses are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, 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 throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people concurrently, saving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has actually considering that been included.
It is likewise easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely better for collaborating within business. It is important managed it service provider to bear in mind that you might face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you usually just bear in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses very specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are just 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, however the features found on Word could be definitely 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 actually continued our partnership up until the present day.