Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your organization needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications could business it services be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, but the importance of your documents could form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just impacts storage area 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 offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed 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 total storage, other than possibly 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 sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires extensive features 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 great application for university student who want to be able to compose standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not permit for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional features to help users produce the best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.
Ideas might recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions may be to get rid of 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.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, once documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive practically immediately.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that function has actually given that been added.
It is also much easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears right away 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 space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within business. It is essential to remember that you might run into compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a service need in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you typically only keep in mind or write short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes really particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending documents to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary 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 actually continued our collaboration until the present day.