Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Partnership
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your organization should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction 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, but the significance of your documents could form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually just affects storage space 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 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires extensive functions for writing files, but if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who wish to be able to write standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you use consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they ought to be added after the collaborative element of the file is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to help users produce the best file possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Concepts may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, as soon as files reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of businesses are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less small business it support issues opening documents from other business, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far 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 constructed as specific, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership included later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several individuals concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically instantly.
Word lags somewhat 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, however that feature has actually since been included.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely 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 use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you normally only take notes or write brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes very specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
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, but the features discovered on Word could 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 partnership till today day.