Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Collaboration
How much do you need 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 needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually only affects storage area and accessibility 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however 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.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, other than maybe 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 documents and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these rates works for you.
Functions
Not every business needs comprehensive functions for writing documents, but if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to be able to write basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it comes 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 consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, implying they must be added after the collective aspect of the document is ended up.
Google's offering does not allow for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional features to assist users produce the very best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in overall.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider 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 use performance across platforms. Those utilizing 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, when documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far 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 built as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive practically instantly.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has since been included.
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 just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the space isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for teaming up within business. It is important to keep in mind that you might face compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does a business need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you typically just remember or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes really particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the functions found on Word could be definitely required and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration until today day.
