Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your business must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing hubs, however the significance of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of rates. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually only impacts storage space and accessibility 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, managed it support services and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership 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 just how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs detailed features for composing documents, but if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to have the ability to write standard papers 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. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you use regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, meaning they should be added after the collaborative element of the document is completed.
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 produce the most visually striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to help users develop the best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
Ideas might recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, once documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at managing long-form documents without lag.
Considering that many organizations are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals concurrently, saving to the picked drive almost instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has actually considering that been included.
It is also simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you need to conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly better for working together within companies. It is essential to keep in mind that you may encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a business need in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you typically only bear in mind or write short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes really specific formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Bear 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 exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary 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 actually continued our partnership till the present day.