Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your business needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the value of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's 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 downsides of each could affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only affects storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides 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 membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires thorough features for writing files, but if you utilize your word processor 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 be able to compose basic papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they must be added after the collaborative element of the file is completed.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users create the very best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, once documents reach a specific length, like in the business it support case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of companies are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer issues opening files from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later in their life. Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people concurrently, saving to the picked drive nearly instantly.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has considering that been added.
It is also simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should 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 absolutely much better for working together within companies. It is very important to bear in mind that you might encounter compatibility concerns with other business that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that partnership has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does an organization requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you typically just remember or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes really particular formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other services, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely needed and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually 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 until today day.