Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you need out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your business ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, but the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally only 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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 membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company requires thorough functions for writing documents, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you use consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they must be added after the collective aspect of the document is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to help users create the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.
Concepts may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form documents without lag.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other business, a million of which also use 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, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as private, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that feature has since been added.
It is likewise much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within business. It is essential to remember that you might face compatibility problems with other business that do not use 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 partnership has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
So, just how much does an organization requirement in their word processing program? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you usually just bear in mind or write short internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely specific format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending files to other businesses, Word and 365 should 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 functions discovered on Word could be definitely required and force 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.