Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your service needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the value of your documents might shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally only affects storage area and schedule of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out on other functions https://app.gumroad.com/adwordsguru44/p/fundamental-concerns-to-ask-before-working-with-a-managed-it-services like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, 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 run out of a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, other than maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company needs comprehensive functions for writing files, however if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who wish to be able to write basic 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. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you use regularly, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they ought to be added after the collective aspect of the file is ended up.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra functions to assist users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in overall.
Ideas might recommend a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text tips might be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, when files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being 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 allows better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically instantly.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has actually given that been added.
It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears right away 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 problems.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for it support for schools collaborating within business. It is essential to bear in mind that you may encounter compatibility problems with other business that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web it services for professionals apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Given that partnership has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does a company need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you generally just bear in mind or compose brief internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your service exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Bear in mind that 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, but the features discovered on Word could be absolutely required and require you toward M365.
