Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your business should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the importance of your documents could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually just impacts storage area and accessibility 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 need 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 membership 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 offered throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of economical 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 costs works for you.
Features
Not every company needs comprehensive features for composing documents, however if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to compose standard papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare 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 capability to edit text styles that you utilize 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 included after the collective element of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not permit for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional functions to assist users produce the very best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in total.
For example, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Additionally, when documents reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Thinking about that many businesses are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by several people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that function has since been included.
It is likewise easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter consents for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That function is just 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 large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within business. It is essential to bear in mind that you might face compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that cooperation has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you normally just keep in mind or compose brief internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.
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 computer repairs choice based solely on these applications, but the functions found on Word could be absolutely needed and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration up until today day.