Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your service ought to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the importance 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 balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions 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, each month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally only impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs thorough functions for composing files, but if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to compose standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't 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 modify text styles that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, meaning they ought to be added after the collaborative element of the file is finished.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to assist users produce the very best document possible. This includes the layout and composing in overall.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to get rid of 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.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance across platforms. Those utilizing 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.
Furthermore, as soon as files reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many businesses are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening documents from other companies, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as specific, completely formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has since been included.
It is also easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within companies. It is necessary to bear in mind that you may face compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. 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.
Given that partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you typically just keep in mind or compose short internal files, it may 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 format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
Bear 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 entirely on these applications, however the functions found on Word could be definitely necessary and force you toward M365.
IT Support View website Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.