Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your service needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the significance of your documents could form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each could affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just affects storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily 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 out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
Text files 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 area on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company needs detailed features for composing files, however if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who want to be able to write standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. It all 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 consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they must be added after the collective element of the file is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to help users create the very best file possible. This consists of the design and writing in total.
Ideas might recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas might 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 correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate 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 in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of organizations are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals simultaneously, saving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. business it services Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually considering that been included.
It is also much easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely better for working together within business. It is necessary to remember that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
If you generally just remember or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes really particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out documents to other companies, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the functions found on Word might be absolutely needed and force 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 partnership till today day.