Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
When thinking about whether your company must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, but the significance of your documents might shape 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 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 various tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just affects storage area and schedule 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 uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs extensive features for writing files, however if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who wish to be able to write basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does it solutions for manufacturing not compare the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text styles that you use regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collective aspect of the document is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users develop the very best file possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
For example, Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Additionally, once documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that numerous companies are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed it for professional services with cooperation in mind, leaving some of business it support the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that feature has because been included.
It is also easier to share files quickly 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 should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within business. It is important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Verdict
So, how much does a company need in their word processing program? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you typically just bear in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very particular format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending documents to other organizations, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be absolutely essential and force you towards 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 actually continued our collaboration up until the present day.