Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth 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 thinking about whether your company ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the value of your files might form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Pricing
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 usually just affects storage area and schedule 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 satisfied 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.
Every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs comprehensive features for writing documents, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want 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 doesn't compare the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they need to be added after the collaborative element of the document is completed.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its additional functions to help users create the very best document possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
Concepts might recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing 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.
Considering that numerous services are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later get more info in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, saving to the picked drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags slightly 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, but that function has considering that been included.
It is likewise much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for collaborating within business. It is important to keep in mind that you might face compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you usually only take notes or write short internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely needed 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 actually continued our partnership till the present day.