Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
How much do you need 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 service should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually only impacts storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose 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 how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of inexpensive offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every business requires comprehensive functions for writing files, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more brisbane support israel than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to be able to write basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of small business it services Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they need to be included after the collective aspect of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not permit particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional functions to help users create the best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
For instance, Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate 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 specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to functions, 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 throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple individuals simultaneously, conserving to the chosen drive almost instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has because been added.
It is also simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within companies. It is essential to remember that you may face compatibility issues with other business 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 collaboration business it support team ltd has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Verdict
How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your documents.
If you typically only remember or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes very specific formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.
Keep in mind that 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 entirely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be absolutely required and require 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 collaboration until today day.