Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
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 thinking about whether your business 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 hubs, however the significance of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just impacts storage area and availability 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires comprehensive features for composing files, but if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to have the ability to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they should be included after the collaborative element of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not permit for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users create the best file possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Ideas may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps use performance across 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.
Furthermore, when files reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many organizations are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening documents from other companies, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to 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, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically 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 collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually given that been included.
It is also much easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for collaborating within business. It is very important to keep in mind that you may encounter compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a service need in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you typically only keep in mind or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If https://squareblogs.net/repriaullq/what-kinds-of-services-to-expect-from-managed-it-company your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes very specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending documents to other companies, 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 decision based entirely on these applications, but the features found on Word could be definitely required and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration up until the present day.