Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
How much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your service needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the importance of your files might shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
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, each month, and have different tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally only affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
Microsoft provides 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 membership features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web internet browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs detailed functions for writing documents, however if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who want to be able to compose basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they need to be added after the collaborative element of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for specific adjustments 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 easy, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to assist users produce the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Furthermore, when documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of businesses are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other business, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people concurrently, saving to the picked drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually given that been included.
It is likewise simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within business. It is necessary to remember that you may run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated 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 actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you normally just keep in mind or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses extremely specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the functions found on Word might be absolutely essential and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft Helpful hints 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership until today day.