Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your service should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the value of your files might form your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
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 provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out 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 browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's many low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which among these costs works for you.
Features
Not every company requires detailed functions for composing files, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who wish to be able to compose standard papers with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text designs that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they ought to be included after the collective aspect of the document is completed.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional features to assist users create the best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
Ideas may suggest a header format rather of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may be to remove jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the microsoft office 365 migration solutions M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Thinking about that lots of companies are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to 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, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive almost immediately.
Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, but that function has since been added.
It is also easier to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change authorizations for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for teaming up within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, just how much does a business need in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you normally just remember or compose brief internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses very specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending files to other organizations, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word might be definitely required and require you towards 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 up until the present day.