Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your company must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the significance of your files might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just impacts storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription features 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 how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not 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 space on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires comprehensive features for composing documents, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who want to have the ability to compose basic papers with little format 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.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they need to be included after the collaborative element of the file is ended up.
Google's offering does not permit for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just needs 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 assist users produce the best file possible. This consists of the design and writing in total.
For instance, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when documents reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing Learn more long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many organizations are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other companies, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
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 developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several individuals concurrently, saving to the chosen drive nearly immediately.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has because been added.
It is likewise much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to change approvals 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 problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within business. It is essential to bear in mind that you may face compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a service need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you typically only remember or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes extremely specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending documents to other businesses, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.