Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Partnership
How much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When thinking about whether your service should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your documents might form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually just impacts storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
Microsoft uses 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.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
As for just how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage 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 many low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs comprehensive functions for composing documents, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to be able to write basic papers with little format 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. Everything comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions 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 features missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they must be added after the remote access security issues collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not enable 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 style basic, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to assist users develop the best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Concepts may suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, once documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of services are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far 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 cooperation included later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually because been included.
It is likewise much easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is necessary to keep in mind that you might face compatibility concerns 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 deliver on that promise.
Given that partnership has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you normally only bear in mind or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
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 entirely on these applications, however the functions found on Word could be definitely needed and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership up until today day.