Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in 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, however the significance of your documents could form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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 need to be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the rates 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 possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires extensive features for composing files, but if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who wish to have the ability to write basic documents with little formatting 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. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they should be included after the collective element of the file is finished.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users develop the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
Concepts may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, when files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that many companies are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other companies, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive almost instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison 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 function has given that been added.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should 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 definitely much better for collaborating within companies. It is important to remember that you might encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated 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 partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a company need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you usually just take notes or write short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects fixed cost it support of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes really particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out documents to other companies, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
Keep 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 decision based exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and force 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.