Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes 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 achieve.
When thinking about whether your business must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the significance of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically only affects storage area and schedule 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 need 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires detailed features for composing files, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to be able to compose basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text styles that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collective element of the document is completed.
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 help to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just requires to Click here for info change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to assist users produce the very best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many companies are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
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.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, totally formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually since been included.
It is also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you may face compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. 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 promise.
Given that collaboration has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you generally just keep in mind or write short internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes very specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Bear 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 choice based entirely on these applications, but the features found on Word might be definitely necessary and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually 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 today day.