Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your organization ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance of your documents could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just impacts storage area 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 satisfied with Word Online.
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.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic 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 dent in your general storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires detailed functions for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who wish to have the ability to write standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't 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 modify text designs that you utilize consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they should be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to help users develop the very best document possible. This consists of it services gold coast the design and composing in total.
For instance, Ideas might suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of services are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other business, a million of which also utilize 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 built as specific, completely formed programs, with the ability of online partnership included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive practically immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has since been included.
It is also simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within business. It is important to bear in mind that you may face compatibility problems with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that partnership has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
If you typically only bear in mind or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses very specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be definitely needed and require you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership up until the present day.