Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When thinking about whether your organization should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, but the importance of your files could form your choice.
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 look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally just affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are it support for manufacturing 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 provides 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 need to be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these costs works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires comprehensive functions for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who wish to be able to write standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they must be added after the collective aspect of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to help users create the very best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
For instance, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, once files reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that numerous companies are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other business, a countless which also use 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, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the selected drive practically instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. https://rentry.co/focy38yr Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that feature has considering that been added.
It is likewise much easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for collaborating within business. It is essential to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize 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 guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate 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 generally just take notes or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses really specific format, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
Remember 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 decision based exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be definitely necessary and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and managed it services for professional services we have continued our partnership until today day.