Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your business ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your files might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction 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 plan ($ 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, but users then lose 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 run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your general 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 affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every business requires detailed functions for writing files, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to be able to compose standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it boils 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, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they must be included after the collective aspect of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to assist users develop the very best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas might recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most notably, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as files reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that lots of companies are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals concurrently, conserving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has since been added.
It is likewise much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it Check out here appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within business. It is essential to remember that you might run into compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, just how much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you usually only bear in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes extremely particular formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other companies, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the functions found on Word might be definitely needed and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.