Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your organization must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, but the importance of your files might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically only impacts storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
Microsoft provides 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.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents 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 low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires detailed functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who want to be able to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to 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 regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collective aspect of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to help users create the best document possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
Ideas might recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer 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 files, and vice versa.
In addition, when documents reach a specific length, like in the case of research study or it services brisbane manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of organizations are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other companies, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has actually considering that been added.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within companies. It is necessary to keep in mind that you might face compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you typically just take notes or write short internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes extremely specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending files to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely needed and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually 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.