Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your service should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the value of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally only impacts storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 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, however users then lose 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 lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, other than maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs extensive functions for writing files, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to be able to write basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features it support services that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they ought to be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is ended up.
Google's offering does not permit for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to help users create the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
Ideas might recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of services are currently utilizing versions 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 likewise use 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, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals concurrently, saving to the picked drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has given that been included.
It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears instantly 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 concerns.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within business. It is very important to remember that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that partnership has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a business need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you usually only remember or write short internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes really specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending files to other services, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just 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, however the features discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.