Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your organization should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, but the significance of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just affects storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires comprehensive features for composing documents, 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 terrific application for college students who want to be able to compose basic documents 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. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you use regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, implying they must be added after the collective element of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and it services brisbane other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, once files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form files without lag.
Considering that many services https://itleaders.com.au/it-solutions-for-education-government/ are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other companies, a countless which likewise utilize 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 throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually since been included.
It is also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability 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 should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within business. It is necessary to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll managed it services for professional services out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you normally just remember or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes really specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending documents to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be definitely necessary and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership until the present day.