Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your business needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the significance of your documents could form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally just impacts storage space and availability 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 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 membership features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every company requires detailed features for writing files, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who want to be able to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they need to be included after the collective aspect of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to help users produce the best document possible. This includes the design and writing in overall.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, once documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous organizations are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically 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 considering that been added.
It is likewise much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears right away 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 space isn't as large as on site support some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within business. It is essential to remember that you might face compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
So, just how much does a business need in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you generally just keep in mind or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes extremely specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely required and require you towards M365.
