Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processing program? computer help brisbane With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your company should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, but the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only impacts storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have 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.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company requires extensive functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who want to be able to write standard papers 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. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you utilize consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, implying they must be added after the collective element of the document is ended up.
Google's offering does not allow for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users create the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
Ideas might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, once files reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many businesses are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
When it concerns 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.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually given that been included.
It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change authorizations for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for collaborating within companies. It is important to remember that you may encounter compatibility problems with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you normally only take notes or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses very particular format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are just 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, but the features discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration till today day.