Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
Just how much do you require out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your service needs to utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing centers, however the value of your documents might shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about 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 advantages and downsides of each could 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 distinction in tiers typically just impacts storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses 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 must be run out of a web browser.
A grid showing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, except perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs detailed features for writing files, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to be able to compose basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare 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 utilize consistently, along with an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, suggesting they must be added after the collaborative element of the document is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not enable particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style simple, as the user only requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to help users create the very best document possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
For example, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form documents without lag.
M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other business, a million of which also use Word worldwide.
When it comes to functions, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive nearly instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that feature has actually since been included.
It is likewise easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter consents for other users appears right away when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive https://zenwriting.net/zoriusjsol/h2-secret-tips-to-get-efficient-cloud-migration-services-h2-in-this-post to prevent versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within business. It is necessary to remember that you may face compatibility issues 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 apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
So, how much does a company requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the strength of your documents.
If you normally just take notes or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses very particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending files to other services, Word and 365 needs to ensure compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, however the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely essential and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.