Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
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 considering whether your business ought to use 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 act as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically only affects storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription it services for education comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is offered across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company requires extensive features for composing files, but if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to have the ability to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the business it support role power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not allow for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to help users produce the very best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in overall.
Concepts might recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, as soon as files reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that lots of services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity 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 constructed as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later in their life. Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several individuals concurrently, saving to the selected drive almost instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has considering that been added.
It is also simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability 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 must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you typically only remember or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses very specific formatting, you'll definitely require managed it services for healthcare Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out files to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be definitely necessary and require you toward M365.
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 continued our collaboration up until today day.