Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your service needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, but the significance of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally only impacts storage space and availability 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs thorough functions for composing files, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to be able to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you use consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they need to be included after the collective aspect of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to help users develop the best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
Concepts may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance throughout 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, when documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that numerous companies are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains 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 constructed as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. On The Other Hand, managed it support services Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that function has actually given that been included.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within companies. It is very important to remember that you may face compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that cooperation has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you usually only bear in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes very specific format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out documents to other companies, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that 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 decision based exclusively on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be definitely necessary 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 actually continued our partnership till today day.