Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your organization must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, however the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just affects storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available 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, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should 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 listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs thorough functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to it services brisbane write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to have the ability to write basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collective element of the document is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to help users create the best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, 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 handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of businesses are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when working with other companies.
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.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive almost immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually since been included.
It is also easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change authorizations for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within business. It is important to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that partnership has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a service need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you generally just take notes or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out documents to other companies, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely required and require 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 up until today day.