Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you need out of a word https://itleaders.com.au/it-support-services/managed-it-services/ processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your service needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the significance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just impacts storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily 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.
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 how much drive storage is available across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall 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 economical 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 figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires detailed features for writing files, however if you utilize your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who want to have the ability to write standard documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you use regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they must be added after the collective aspect of the file is completed.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user just 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 additional features to help users produce the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
For instance, Ideas may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text recommendations might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those using 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.
In addition, once documents reach a particular length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous organizations are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening documents from other companies, a countless which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability 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 developed as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags a little in contrast 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 actually considering that been added.
It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change authorizations for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for collaborating within companies. It is necessary to bear in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, how much does a company need in their word processing program? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you normally just take notes or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes extremely specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be absolutely essential and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually 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 partnership until the present day.