Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your company needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
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 usually just affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied 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 Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many low-cost 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 needs thorough functions for composing files, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to have the ability to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. It all 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 regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
Google's offering does not enable for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user only requires 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 functions to help users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the design and writing in total.
Ideas might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous it services businesses are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, totally formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the selected drive nearly immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has since been added.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change approvals for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just 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 big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for teaming up within companies. It is necessary to bear in mind that you may run into compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you usually only take notes or write short internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses very specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be definitely essential and require you toward 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 continued our partnership up until today day.