Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
How much do you need 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 service should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, but the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on cooperation.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally only impacts storage space and accessibility 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 provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:
A grid revealing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, other than perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many affordable offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Functions
Google Docs is an excellent application for university managed it support student who want to be able to write basic 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 suffices.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text designs that you utilize consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, indicating they need to be added after the collaborative element of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user just requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to assist users develop the best file possible. This consists of the design and composing in overall.
Concepts might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text ideas may be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly 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 study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that numerous businesses are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other business.
When it pertains to functions, 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.
Cooperation
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, totally formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by several people concurrently, saving to the chosen drive practically immediately.
Word lags slightly in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has given that been included.
It is also simpler to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter approvals for other users appears immediately when trying 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 big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for collaborating within business. It is very important 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 files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that cooperation has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, just how much does a company requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your documents.
If you normally only remember or write short internal files, it might behoove you to make the most of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very particular format, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other services, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and force you towards 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 partnership until the present day.