Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your organization must use 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 serve as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the value of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have healthcare it different tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually only affects storage space and accessibility 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 pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and check here Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, it managed services other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be more than enough 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 company requires detailed functions for composing documents, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who want to have the ability to write standard papers 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. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you use regularly, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, indicating they need to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
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 files you can. This makes design basic, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to help users produce the best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
Ideas may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations may be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Thinking about that many organizations are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other companies, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals concurrently, saving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has because been included.
It is also easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely better for working together within business. It is necessary to bear in mind that you may face compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that partnership has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
So, how much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you typically only take notes or compose brief internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses really specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
IT Support Guys has 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 today day.