Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your service must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally just impacts storage area and schedule 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.
Every Google Workplace subscription 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 available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your general 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 affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires comprehensive features for composing documents, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who want to have the ability to compose basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they should be included after the collaborative element of the file is ended up.
Google's offering does not enable for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes style easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to help users develop the very best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Concepts may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Thinking about that lots of services are currently using versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other it support business, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has actually because been included.
It is also easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within business. It is very important to remember that you may run into compatibility issues with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you usually just remember or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word could be absolutely essential and require you towards 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 continued our partnership till today day.