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 upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually only impacts storage space 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 pleased with Word Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's it services many low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company needs extensive features for writing files, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to have the ability to write basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they should be included after the collective aspect of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design basic, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to assist users produce the best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality 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 documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous organizations are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a countless which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags slightly 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, but that feature has because been included.
It is also easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within companies. It is necessary to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a business need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you generally only take notes or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes extremely particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Keep 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 decision based solely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be absolutely 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 till the present day.