Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your business must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected composing hubs, but the importance of your files might shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just impacts storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need 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 membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web internet browser.
As for just how much drive storage is offered throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most affordable offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout it support services both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires thorough features for composing files, however if you use 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 have the ability to compose standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't compare the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text styles that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they ought to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not permit for specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to help users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and composing in total.
For example, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, as soon as files 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 documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous businesses are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other business, a million of which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was constructed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has given that been added.
It is also easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is definitely better for teaming up within business. It is important to bear in mind that you may run into compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that partnership has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your files.
If you generally only take notes or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses very specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other companies, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Remember that 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 choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be absolutely essential and require you toward 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 continued our collaboration until the present day.