Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your service must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, but the value of your files might shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just affects storage space and availability 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, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace subscription features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates 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 maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every business requires thorough features for writing files, but if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features 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 features missing from its online offering, meaning they need to be included after the collaborative element of the document is completed.
However, Google's offering does not allow for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to assist users develop the very best file possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
Ideas may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text suggestions may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once documents reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous companies are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house much more functions than a web app, https://writeablog.net/felathnfpx/h1-b-managed-it-support-microsoft-word-or-google-docs-balancing-powerful which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, completely formed programs, with the ability of online partnership added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive nearly instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has considering that been included.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the ability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within companies. It is necessary to keep in mind that you may encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you generally only take notes or compose brief internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses really specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending documents to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that 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 solely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be absolutely essential and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our collaboration until today day.